• SATS has launched its Hub Handler of the Future programme to prepare for high-capacity airports and growing global cargo volumes, integrating automation, real-time data, and operational intelligence for faster, safer, and more efficient cargo operations
• The initiative combines digitalisation with operational excellence, workforce reskilling, and sustainability to create agile, resilient, and future-ready airport services
• Ground handling will be transformed through AI-driven orchestration, telematics, and computer vision, optimising resource allocation and improving service quality across SATS’ Singapore Hub

SATS, one of the world’s leading providers of air cargo and ground handling services, has launched its Hub Handler of the Future programme, an initiative led by SATS Singapore Hub (SG Hub) to support the operational demands of emerging mega airports built for high-capacity passenger and cargo movements.

The programme represents a strategic step in preparing for the future of aviation, as airports worldwide adapt to rapid growth in airfreight. According to IATA’s Vision for the Future of Air Cargo Facilities 2025, global cargo volumes are expected to reach 72.5 million tonnes this year, intensifying the need for efficiency, scalability and sustainability across the logistics chain.

Through the Hub Handler of the Future, SATS is reimagining what a cargo terminal operator can be. The initiative aims to integrate automation, real-time data, and operational intelligence to deliver faster turnarounds, enhanced safety and improved service quality.

By drawing on the SG Hub’s extensive experience supporting Changi Airport, the programme seeks to combine automation and digitalisation with operational excellence, innovation, safety and sustainability. It also focuses on workforce reskilling — ensuring employees are equipped with the digital skills needed to manage increasingly complex operations.

This holistic approach enables SATS to deliver a suite of aviation solutions tailored to the next generation of airports, keeping operations agile, resilient and future-ready.

Transforming ground handling for the digital age

The Hub Handler of the Future will also reshape ground handling by creating a more intelligent, connected and safe operating environment. The initiative is set to re-engineer the ground handling concept of operations through the use of automation, telematics, computer vision and AI-driven orchestration systems.

An AI-enabled orchestration engine currently under development will leverage live data and predictive analytics to optimise resource allocation, improve resilience and raise service quality across SATS’ Singapore Hub.