WFS helps screen cargo at JFK

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) is to operate a new Centralized Examination Station at New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The SATS subsidiary has been awarded a five-year contract by CBP to run the Centralized Examination Station (CES), which is due to begin phased opening in early 2025.

It will be the first air CES to contain all segments of CBP inspections as well as the first on-airport examination facility at JFK, processing import, export, and USDA (Department of Agriculture) goods. Currently, the nearest CES to JFK is at Newark Airport on the far bank of the Hudson River.

The CES will be housed in WFS’ Building 151 at JFK, with over 100,000sq ft of warehousing, offices and support facilities. WFS said its location close to the ramp would provide fast airside access from any airside location.

Shipments requiring inspection will be transported to the CES from airline facilities, yielding significant productivity efficiencies for CBP officers, who will no longer have to travel around the airport to inspect cargo.

In preparation for the CES opening, WFS will modify the facility to CBP requirements and will develop customised software to make the JFK operation the first paperless CES as part of its commitment to air cargo digitisation. WFS already has dock management software for processing trucks and digital dashboards to monitor the progress of shipments.

JFK is one of WFS’ biggest international cargo stations, serving 40 airlines at eight handling facilities and is due to increase its cargo capacity by another 20% with the opening of a new 346,000sq ft terminal in 2025.

CBP port director at JFK Salvatore Ingrassia said: “The efficiencies realized from this facility will allow CBP to optimise resources and enhance our enforcement efforts to keep bad things, such as dangerous precursor chemicals, goods that infringe on intellectual property rights, and imports that place the American people at risk for their health and safety, out of the commerce of the US.”

He added that the CES would also be a win for the JFK trade community, as lawfully imported goods would move through JFK with greater speed and efficiency.

Chief executive of the Americas at WFS, Mike Simpson, commented: “WFS is honoured to have been chosen by US CBP, which is America’s front line to detect and disrupt threats at and beyond the country’s borders.

“This partnership marks another exciting chapter for WFS and underscores our unwavering commitment to safety, security, and innovation in air cargo handling. We look forward to delivering exceptional service and contributing to the continued success of JFK and the air cargo industry.”

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