Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is bringing revolutionary state-of-the-art technology to its 19th Street Cargo facility as it begins a comprehensive redevelopment there.

One of the most connected airports in the world, DFW Airport said the redevelopment will enhance its ability to process international e-commerce and increase overall cargo capacity.

New cargo warehouses to be built

After an extensive search for forward-looking tenants that value innovation, automation, and other emerging technologies, Menzies Aviation and dnata USA have tentatively been chosen by the airport to operate new cargo warehouses that will be located at the 19th Street Cargo area.

Those operators, which are subject to final approval by the DFW board of directors, will join a future design-build contractor to create and operate this industry-leading facility, the airport said.

“We selected these tenants for their commitment to excellence in cargo handling and their long-term business strategy, which supports our business priorities in developing DFW as a transit hub in the global supply chain connecting Asia and Latin America,” John Ackerman, DFW’s EVP of Global Strategy and Development, said in a statement. “This will also support our goal of being a hub for the fastest growing markets, including pharma and other perishables, as well as cross-border e-commerce.”

The project will continue DFW Airport’s growth in cargo operations while applying state-of-the-art technology that addresses labor shortages, airport congestion, and sustainability while increasing safety, efficiency, and security across the cargo ecosystem, the airport said.

The 19th Street Cargo Redevelopment Project is scheduled for completion in late 2024 and will add roughly 350,000 square feet of new warehouse space and seven ADG VI (large cargo aircraft) parking positions.

Investment in innovation to make the DFW cargo facility one of the world’s best

[Photo: DFW Airport]

DFW Airport said it will take an end-to-end leadership role throughout the life of the project, enabling the airport to curate tenants that align with its long-term strategy and vision.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on this new cargo initiative, increasing our footprint at the airport as we already have a well-established cargo business. This new cargo opportunity will allow us to showcase our investment in innovation and make the new DFW cargo facility one of the most technologically advanced in North America,” Menzies Aviation EVP of Cargo Robert Fordree said in a statement.

dnata is using ‘innovative autonomous drones’ at its DFW warehouses

dnata’s Regional CEO Americas David Barker said his company is proud to partner with DFW Airport “on this extensive redevelopment project.”

“dnata continues to invest in cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies and digitization, to further enhance efficiencies across our operations,” Barker said in a statement. “This includes the use of innovative autonomous drones in our existing warehouses at DFW.”

“Our long-term commitment to sustainable operations, including the construction of new, LEED-certified buildings, also aligns with DFW’s plans for the 19th Street Cargo redevelopment,” Barker added. “We look forward to working closely with DFW to ensure the project’s long-term success.”

Menzies Aviation operates at 251 airports in 58 countries on six continents

DFW’s new partners in the redevelopment bring extensive experience to the project.

London-based Menzies Aviation is the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, with operations on six continents, at 251 airports in 58 countries, serving more than 4 million flights a year and handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo. It has a team of more than 38,000 highly trained people. It provides complex and time-critical ground services, including passenger, lounge and ramp services; air cargo services, including handling, warehousing and wholesale freight forwarding; and fuel services, including fuel farm management and into-plane fueling.

dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel, catering, and retail services in 38 countries across six continents, the company said. In the first six months of the financial year 2022-23, dnata said its customer-oriented teams handled more than 347,000 aircraft turns, moved over 1.35 million tons of cargo, uplifted 50.5 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value of travel services of $1.3 billion.

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