Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) and Sjømatterminalen have signed an MOU to operate the Seafood Centre at Oslo Airport, which will handle up to 250,000 tons a year.
Norway accounts for half of the air cargo generated in the Nordic region, and Oslo was the fastest growing cargo airport in Europe with 36 per cent.
Of the 185,000 tons flown in and out of the airport, 90,000 tons was seafood, and Norwegian seafood as air cargo is expected to reach 230,000 tons in 2018.
Construction on the terminal is expected to commence in April 2019 and the opening is scheduled for 2021.
Avinor Oslo Airport director of cargo, Martin Langaas says: “This is a unique opportunity to define the future of cool chain logistics for seafood as air cargo. The Seafood Centre at Oslo Airport will increase the competitiveness of Norwegian Seafood globally and industrialise the handling.
“With an experienced international handler as WFS, we believe Oslo Airport will increase its competitive advantage as the preferred cargo hub in Northern Europe.”
Oslo Airport executive vice president, Øyvind Hasaas adds: “We have listened to the exporters and their needs to ensure quality and time to market. I believe the dedication from the Seafood Exporters in this project is an acknowledgement of the project itself.
“The Seafood Centre will create value for all of Norway and increase the competitiveness of Norwegian Seafood globally.”
WFS executive vice president cargo EMEAA, John Batten says: “The Seafood industry is a unique opportunity for us to share our experience and excellence in air cargo handling. We look forward to opening a dedicated facility at Oslo Airport that is fully adapted to the future needs of the Seafood industry.
“Our terminal will be a game changer in the handling of Seafood as air cargo and be an important part of ensuring the future growth of one of Norway’s most important industries.”
