Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) Holland will purchase Menzies World Cargo (Amsterdam) as it looks to expand its presence at Schiphol Airport.

The SATS Group-owned cargo handler said that its operation at Schiphol was close to capacity and the deal would bring extra warehouse space to enable it to capitalise on its “strong local customer relations and service levels, and position itself for growth over the long term”.

WFS chief executive for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia, said: “WFS has served Amsterdam Airport Schiphol since 2000 and is now operating at close to maximum capacity. The station expansion at the Dutch ‘mainport’ for air cargo is an important strategic milestone which will give WFS the capacity and capability to deliver long-term value to our stakeholders.

“WFS operates in Europe’s five largest airports by cargo volume and we are excited to see WFS enlarge its footprint at a time of strong demand for its services. We are optimistic that the business pipeline will soon fill the newly acquired capacity and take WFS to the next stage of its growth. We look forward to welcoming new colleagues from Menzies to help build for the future together.”

WFS said that Schiphol has the largest cargo storage capacity among Dutch airports, operates more direct cargo flights to more destinations than any other airport in the Netherlands and is well- connected with international road, rail, and canal routes passing through the airport.

The proposed acquisition is subject to certain conditions including local works council consultation.