Korean Air modernizes its Incheon cargo terminal with a Smart Terminal, enhancing logistics and sustainability for global air cargo operations.
Korean Air has modernized its cargo terminal at Incheon International Airport, launching a fully integrated 'Smart Terminal' equipped with advanced automated logistics systems. This infrastructure upgrade, combined with advanced digital integrations, expanded sustainability initiatives, and next-generation fleet orders, reinforces Korean Air's competitive edge in the global air cargo market.
Executed between June 2025 and September 2026, the modernization introduced automated technologies across terminal handling operations while maintaining uninterrupted, top-tier cargo handling quality.
The upgrade centers on deploying Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and new Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETVs). By expanding bypass infrastructure from a single line to dual automated transfer lines integrated with the new ETVs, the terminal increased its hourly Unit Load Device (ULD) processing capacity from 18 to 30 units. Overall, the terminal's total cargo handling capacity is projected to increase by more than 25 percent. The airline is also expanding specialized facilities to handle high-yield, special cargo.
The project prioritized enhanced workplace standards and operational precision. Automating heavy equipment structurally reduces manual handling touchpoints, while infrastructure upgrades improve the overall working environment. Following the Incheon upgrade, Korean Air is actively modernizing its cargo terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, with completion targeted for next year.
'This renovation is an essential step to proactively respond to the rapidly changing global logistics environment by upgrading equipment and integrating smart technologies,' a Korean Air representative stated.
