Pudong Airport Smart Cargo Terminal to Begin Operations by Year-End

The Pudong airport smart cargo terminal, a key part of the fourth-phase expansion of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, is expected to start operation by the end of this year.

The facility will be operated by Shanghai Smartgo Logistics Service Co, a joint venture between Shanghai Airport Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics.

The new terminal is designed to serve as a major cargo infrastructure for Shanghai's international aviation hub.

It will use 5G, big data, and artificial intelligence to automate cargo handling, improve customs procedures, and enhance overall efficiency.

Once operational, it will support the city's goal of building a global aviation logistics hub.

According to the airport group, the smart cargo terminal will enable real-time management of goods, personnel, and equipment, making cargo processing more visible, traceable, and secure.

It is expected to become a model for intelligent air cargo operations in China and beyond.

Shanghai airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, handled 4.206 million tons of air freight and mail in 2024, ranking second in the world, according to official data.

Though air cargo accounts for less than 1 percent of Shanghai's total freight volume, it represents nearly 40 percent of the city's import and export value.

Shanghai Smartgo Logistics signed an operational service management agreement with Swissport, a leading Swiss ground and cargo service provider, on Tuesday.

The partnership will bring Swissport's global management expertise to Shanghai, enhancing terminal operations and international cooperation in standards, technology, and talent development.

Founded in 1996, Swissport operates at 279 airports worldwide, serving over 850 clients.

Its chief executive officer, Warwick Brady, said the company will support the Pudong project by combining its global network with local innovation to build a smart logistics benchmark.