TL;DR: Swissport launched operations at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on 3 June 2026, opening a USD 215 million AI-powered cargo terminal with 1 million tonne annual capacity – its largest single facility globally.
Swissport International entered the Chinese market on 3 June 2026. The opening of the Digital and Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) marks the ground handler’s most significant infrastructure investment to date. It is also a direct play on China’s cross-border e-commerce sector, which is growing at over 25% annually and already accounts for more than 45% of global online retail transactions.
What the Shanghai Terminal Delivers
The facility covers 222,000 square metres with a core operational area of 150,000 square metres. Total investment stands at 1.56 billion yuan, approximately USD 215 million. Designed capacity sits between 600,000 and 1.2 million tonnes of international cargo per year. That single project adds roughly 20% to Swissport’s global throughput, which currently runs at 5 million tonnes annually across 117 cargo stations.
Automation runs deep. Four high-speed sorting systems process 3,500 parcels per hour – triple the rate of conventional terminals. An AI-driven warehouse management system delivers 99.5% scheduling accuracy. Cold chain infrastructure covers 15,000 square metres, with a 200 square metre ultra-deep freeze chamber holding 1,500 tonnes at temperatures as low as -60°C. A 26,000 square metre rooftop solar system generates 7.12 GWh annually, cutting 6,846 tonnes of carbon emissions. The terminal connects directly to hubs in New York, Miami, Liège, Zurich and Amsterdam, with Chinese exporters reaching key markets up to two days faster.
“Launching operations at Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a defining moment for Swissport in Asia and globally.”
Warwick Brady, CEO and President, Swissport International
The Partnership and Market Context
Swissport signed with Smarex, a joint venture between AVINEX Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics, in October 2025. Shanghai Airport Authority and China Eastern Airlines Corporation supported the agreement. Shanghai Pudong is the world’s second-largest air freight hub, handling approximately 4 million tonnes per year. Swissport projects 8 to 10% volume growth annually as connectivity improves across key trade corridors.
“Shanghai Pudong Airport already handles around four million tonnes of freight each year. Now, plugged into our global network, we expect volumes to grow by around 8 to 10 per cent over the coming years.”
Brad Moore, CEO APAC, Swissport International
Brady confirmed Shanghai is the first step in a broader China strategy. Additional Chinese cargo market opportunities are already under evaluation. The facility is intended as a blueprint for smart terminal operations across Swissport’s wider network of 312 airports in 49 countries.
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