As a large customised pallet box meandered through the back lanes of SATS Airfreight Terminal on a cargo dolly, Sabrina Chew kept her eyes peeled for signs of distress within. Inside was Le Le, Singapore’s first locally-born giant panda, en route to Chengdu after weeks of planning and dry runs.
Recalling the significant milestone from January 2024, Chew notes such meticulous handling is routine for her as Assistant Vice President of Cargo Hub Ops at SATS — the world’s largest air cargo handler and Asia’s leading airline caterer headquartered in Singapore. Each day, she supervises about 180 flights spanning 2,200 shipments.
The SATS Cargo Hub Operations team coordinated the special transport of Le Le, Singapore's first locally-born giant panda (pictured in shipment, top right), from Singapore to Chengdu
“Operations is a highly dynamic world,” she explains. “Whenever we notice a specific trend causing inefficiencies, we collaborate to streamline our processes.”
SATS helps Changi Airport maintain its world-leading position through continuous innovation, implementing new technologies to improve efficiency, upskilling staff, and adopting global best practices.
Key to this evolution was SATS' acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the global cargo logistics leader with extensive operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) — an opportunity surfaced through its largest shareholder Temasek's global networks.
Formerly a leading regional Asian player, SATS decided to expand beyond its stronghold partly in response to COVID-19, which severely disrupted its core aviation catering business. Focusing on Singapore and Asia Pacific slowed recovery as these regions reopened later than the Americas and EMEA.
Today, SATS is present in the Asia-Pacific, the Americas and EMEA, powering a connected world of trade, travel and taste.
"When working with our portfolio companies, we focus on future growth potential, relevance, and resilience through economic volatility. SATS was then heavily concentrated in Asia," says Juliet Teo, Joint Head of Temasek's Portfolio Development Group. "After weathering difficult times, they independently assessed the risks and recognised that global cargo handling offers resilience across market cycles."
In 2023, SATS completed the acquisition with support from its shareholders. Temasek voted in favour of the deal and, along with other shareholders, participated in SATS’ S$800 million rights issue to help fund the purchase.
The acquisition transformed SATS from an Asia-focused operator into a global leader in air cargo handling services. Today, it stands as the world’s largest air cargo handler, with a presence in over 225 locations spanning 27 countries, and a workforce of over 55,000 employees worldwide.
Resilience forged through expansion
With its end-to-end network, SATS can streamline services through data sharing, greater cargo visibility, and an optimised supply chain from origin to destination – delivering more connected and dependable solutions across its global network.
With the acquisition of WFS, SATS bolstered its air cargo and ground handling operations across Asia-Pacific, the Americas and EMEA, including Paris (pictured)
As Eng Aik Meng, Temasek’s Joint Head of Portfolio Development Group and Head of Operating Group, expresses: “SATS has the right DNA, culture, and values — and after acquiring WFS, a much wider repertoire of skills and capabilities to achieve significantly more.”
Awarded Global Air Cargo Handling Agent of the Year 2025 at the world’s leading trade fair for air cargo and logistics, Air Cargo Europe in Munich, Germany, the award reflects the dedication of the company’s global teams who deliver safe, efficient and customer-focused cargo solutions every day in every location it serves. The company also partners e-commerce players such as Cainiao and Amazon.
Even as it scales internationally, SATS remains rooted in Singapore. Its expanded capabilities open new doors abroad while sharpening its edge at home, reinforcing Changi Airport’s standing as a leading air hub.
Singapore remains an integral part of SATS’ focus, with a dedicated Singapore Hub business enhancing Changi Airport’s competitive edge as a premier international aviation hub
Ultimately, global growth is only one part of the equation. To truly future-proof itself, SATS is strengthening its core: its people.
A local workforce with a global mindset
SATS is investing heavily in upskilling employees to help them thrive in a technology-driven world and exposing them to international opportunities to prepare them for regional and global leadership roles.
“As a leader, you can run 100 metres in 11 seconds. But if your whole company runs 100 metres in 20 seconds, your performance is 20 seconds… We have this mindset of bringing people along but making sure that the company fitness is constantly increasing through technology, innovation, and training,” says Mok.
It is this belief of collective improvement that drives initiatives like the SATS Elevate Programme, where SATS staff spend several months overseas to experience new cultures and bring home best practices. Chew, who was attached to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, was impressed by their use of sniffer dogs to detect threats in pallet boxes — a different approach in Singapore of individually assessing each item, which can number over 200 per pallet.
Through initiatives like the Elevate programme, SATS facilitates knowledge sharing and drives operational synergies across its extensive global network
While acknowledging the different operating environments, Chew says the experience pushed her to challenge the status quo. “It prompts you to think about how things can be done more productively and efficiently.”
Looking ahead, amid increasing global uncertainties, Mok remains confident in SATS' ability to navigate future challenges. "We've become more resilient through recent crises, from a global pandemic to trade wars," he explains. "Our network allows us to adapt as supply chains evolve, pivoting toward new opportunities. With our combined strengths and Temasek's continued partnership, we're well positioned to navigate these tough times."
"SATS has grown alongside Singapore's rise as a global air hub — embodying the same excellence, innovation, and resilience that defines our nation," says Eng. "Its story mirrors Singapore's: small in origin, yet bold in ambition and global in impact."
Our Singapore DNA spotlights how home-grown companies in Temasek’s portfolio have evolved and expanded on the global stage.
Discover how Temasek works closely with these businesses to innovate and drive impact — by building long-term value, driving sustainable growth, and fostering meaningful change for people and communities.
