Ukraine International Airlines has awarded Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) an 18 month cargo handling contract in Milan.

Starting on 1 April 2021, WFS will handle cargo onboard the airline’s three Boeing 737 flights per week with further increase in volume to daily flights in June 2021 connecting Milan’s Malpensa Airport with Kiev. 

WFS operates the most modern cargo terminal at Milan-Malpensa, having invested in a new 8,800 sq. mt. facility, which opened in late 2018. The building has the capacity to handle 47,000 tonnes annually and is fully equipped with the latest cargo handling systems as well as a cool zone for temperature-controlled shipments such as pharmaceuticals. In line with all WFS’ global stations, it also adheres to the highest standards of safety and security.    

Most recently, WFS has also invested to upgrade the capacity of the terminal’s temperature-controlled cargo facility to accept ULDs.    

This is WFS’ second contract win in Milan in a matter of months. In December, WFS, the world’s largest air cargo handler, also announced a new agreement with Asiana Airlines to handle its three Boeing 747 freighter flights per week from the Italian airport to Seoul. This boosted WFS’ volumes at Malpensa by a further 15,000 tonnes a year. Overall, WFS now handles 11 airline customers in Milan, also including American Airlines, Air Europa, China Eastern, China Cargo, Air Serbia, and BlueAir. 

“Despite the disruption in the aviation market, WFS continues to invest in its handling capacity and services in Milan-Malpensa because this is a very important airport in our global network and we see strong growth potential both now and in the future. We are delighted to welcome Ukraine International Airlines as a new WFS customer and we still have the capacity to grow further as the market recovers,” said Massimiliano Introini, Managing Director of WFS in Italy.