New centre features temperature controlled handling areas and a Border Inspection Post to enable processing of imports of fresh produce and seafood
Aviation service provider Swissport has opened its first dedicated perishables handling centre in the UK at Heathrow Airport.
Purpose built to handle fresh produce and seafood, the new site is operating in partnership with Scan Global Logistics.
It was bought in 2024 to expand Swissport’s perishables handling capacity in the UK. With temperature-controlled handling areas, and covering approximately 2,694 m², the site is designed to handle up to 30,000 tonnes of perishables per year.
It also includes a dedicated Border Inspection Post (BIP), enabling immediate airside inspection and clearance of imported goods.
“Launching our first dedicated perishables centre in the UK and our partnership with Scan Global Logistics marks a significant milestone for Swissport,” said Joe Bellfield, Swissport’s chief operating officer for cargo UK&I.
“Heathrow is a critical gateway for global seafood flows, and perishables require absolute precision. By bringing our proven cool-chain processes, specialised infrastructure and trained teams to Heathrow Airport, we are strengthening the reliability and predictability that exporters depend on,” he said.
With fully built units in a single pass, the system reduces handling steps, shortens queue times and ensures a more predictable, consistent flow. “With this technology, we can move perishables through Heathrow more efficiently and with far greater predictability,” said global head of perishables at Scan Global Logistics, Colin Wells.
The opening is part of Swissport’s global network of specialised cargo hubs for temperature-sensitive and time-critical goods, including seafood, fresh produce and pharmaceuticals.
Swissport currently operates 117 cargo centres worldwide, handling around 5 million tonnes of freight annually.
