Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is gearing up for the next stage of cargo development through a new partnership between Realterm and the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA). The two will collaborate to develop a state-of-the-art cargo facility to serve the expanding needs of air freight operators in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The project will deliver up to 105,000 square feet of first-line cargo space that can be configured for a single operator or divided among several tenants, giving the airport the flexibility to serve different types of logistics businesses.
Jennifer Carter, Senior Vice President of Airport Affairs at Realterm, said, “Its location is one of its greatest strengths. Located in central Pennsylvania, MDT provides convenient access to major population centers and is well positioned for companies looking to improve their distribution networks across the eastern United States.
That strategic location is already paying off. According to Airports Council International (ACI) World, Harrisburg International Airport handled more than 55,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025. It also sits within a six-hour drive of roughly 35% of the U.S. population, while major companies such as UPS, Bayer and Coca-Cola have expanded operations in the surrounding area.
Alexi Lachambre, Senior Vice President of Investments, Airport Infrastructure at Realterm, said the project reflects the company’s confidence in the airport’s long-term potential. “The new facility will help meet increasing demand and reinforce the partnership between Realterm and SARAA,” he said.
The warehouse is designed for operational efficiency with the building located directly alongside the airport apron to allow aircraft to park alongside the building and for cargo to be quickly transferred between planes and storage locations. The facility can accommodate one large customer or be split into spaces for up to four tenants depending on demand.
Once completed, it will feature up to 105,000 square feet of warehouse space, eight airside drive-in doors, 40 landside loading docks, more than 180 parking spaces, a 150-foot airside operating area, and a 135-foot truck court to keep freight moving efficiently.
The development also places a strong focus on sustainability. The building is expected to meet LEED certification standards and will include skylights, motion-sensor LED lighting, electric vehicle-ready infrastructure and reinforced flooring capable of supporting specialised cargo operations such as refrigerated storage, pallet lifts and floor scales.
According to Timothy J. Edwards, Executive Director of SARAA, the project builds on the airport’s recent $60 million investment to expand its cargo apron, creating additional capacity for future freight operations.
Serving central Pennsylvania and offering direct road access to major markets including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New York City, Harrisburg International Airport continues to strengthen its position as an important regional cargo gateway.
For Realterm, which manages around 22 million square feet of airport infrastructure across 40 airports worldwide, the investment is another step in expanding a global portfolio that includes cargo terminals, aircraft maintenance facilities, flight kitchens and ground support infrastructure.
