San Francisco International Airport builds a new freight terminal, this way strengthening its position as a leading air cargo gateway on the U.S. West Coast. The US$300+ million facility is designed to accommodate growing cargo volumes through advanced automation, leading to enhanced efficiency. The terminal will be equipped with technology provided by Lödige Industries enabling customized solutions for automated storage, retrieval, and high-throughput operations.
The facility, designed to deliver fast, reliable, and scalable cargo handling operations, is scheduled for completion in Spring 2028 and with operations expected to commence later that year. “This investment reflects SFO’s commitment to providing modern, efficient cargo facilities that support our airline partners and the regional economy,” says Samuel Chui, Project Manager at SFO.
Many cargo facilities at U.S. airports rely on Lödige technology
The project in San Francisco is one of more than 40 in the U.S. to date in which Lödige has played a leading role. These include- among others – a state-of-the-art automated cargo handling system at JFK in New York and high-capacity air cargo terminals for Korean Air in Los Angeles and American Airlines in Dallas.
“The cutting-edge cargo terminal positions SFO at the forefront of West Coast air cargo logistics,” states Jonathan Hardy, Managing Director North America at Lödige Industries. “Our automated systems are engineered for maximum efficiency and scalability, enabling SFO to handle growing cargo volumes while fully leveraging advanced automation and digital connectivity.”
Automated equipment
At the core of the 310,000-square-foot (28,800 m2), two-story terminal are three Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETVs), delivering fully automated storage and retrieval of Unit Load Devices (ULDs). Operating on a rail-guided system, the ETVs can move ULDs vertically and horizontally simultaneously, boosting operational speed and flexibility. This automated equipment is designed to streamline workflows, increase throughput, and significantly reduce turnaround times at the airport.
Hardy adds: “Growing e-commerce and global trade are driving an increase in air cargo volumes, prompting key U.S. cargo hubs to expand and modernize. Lödige Industries is dedicated to serve as a reliable strategic partner, supporting airports as they navigate an evolving industry landscape. The project at SFO marks another important milestone in our commitment to innovation in North America’s air cargo industry, building on current projects at New York John F. Kennedy and Toronto Pearson International Airport.”
CFG: What role does the U.S. market play in Lödige’s overall global business?
Jonathan Hardy: “As a global company, Lödige Industries support a wide range of customers in the air cargo sector and offer services ranging from greenfield projects and terminal modernizations to comprehensive maintenance services. The continued growth in e-commerce, persistent labor shortages, and increasing customer expectations are driving cargo terminal operators to invest in the expansion, automation, and modernization of their infrastructure. We are seeing this trend in markets around the world, including the United States, which alongside the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Europe, remains one of our most important growth regions. Our automation systems and software solutions help operators increase their efficiency, optimize processes, and enhance the flexibility of their cargo terminals.”
CFG: Is Lödige also active at Canadian / Mexican airports?
Jonathan Hardy: Indeed, a successful air cargo terminal project has already been completed at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada. Although Lödige Industries is also active in Mexico in the automotive sector, the company has not delivered an air cargo terminal project there yet.
Cargo plays a key role at SFO
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a department of the City and County of San Francisco, meaning it is a municipally owned airport. In 2025, 541,998 metric tons of air cargo were handled there, of which 368,582 metric tons originated in the United States or were addressed to customers there. 173,416 metric tons were of domestic origin. United is the undisputed market leader with 48.7% of the total air traffic, followed by Alaska Airlines (9.5%) and Delta (7.6%).
Lödige inaugurated new Campus
About 9,000 km east of San Francisco, in Paderborn, Germany, Lödige officially opened their new campus on 16JUN26, making an important step forward for the future of the company.
Spanning 4,000 square meters, the new campus brings together engineering, automation, software expertise, and service under one roof. It is a place where ideas, technologies, and solutions are developed to support customers worldwide to overcome complex challenges and make their processes more efficient.
With the integrated Customer Care Center and the new Parts and Supply Center, the company is also strengthening its global service promise – reliable, responsive, and available around the clock, reads their LinkedIn post.
