Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, has won a 5-year license to provide ramp handling for aircraft at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4.

The license was awarded by JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT) – the operator of JFK’s Terminal 4 – and follows an extensive review of potential service providers’ operations, presence at JFK and in North America, financial status, safety record and processes, and service testimonials.

WFS is already an established provider of passenger services for airlines at JFK, serving 12 airlines across all terminals, for passengers travelling on more than 3,500 flights annually.

The new below-the-wing ramp handling license becomes effective from October 1, 2024. It covers all ramp handling activities and cabin cleaning services.

“This is a huge step forward for our ground handling operation at JFK’s Terminal 4. It enables WFS to offer a full, end-to-end service for passengers and aircraft,” said Mike Simpson, CEO the Americas at WFS. “We commend JFKIAT on their thorough analysis of handling providers as part of their selection process, which underlines the importance of this license. This provided WFS with the opportunity to demonstrate our strengths and capabilities in providing safe and world class ramp handling services as well as our breadth of experience in ground handling operations, our commitment to safety, local knowledge, global reach, and financial strength to fund investments.”

“We are excited to enter into this strategic partnership with WFS to provide World Class Ground Handling services to T4 airlines,” said Susana Desa, Vice President of Operations at JFKIAT. “Their innovative and sustainable approach to below wing operations perfectly aligns with the values of JFKIAT and Terminal 4.”

New York’s JFK is one of WFS’ 81 stations in Canada and the United States offering network connectivity throughout North America and globally.