Fraport, operator of Frankfurt Airport, is planning a strategic realignment of its CargoHub in order to meet the expected growth in the air freight business. Given the forecast global economic growth, air freight traffic is expected to continue to increase in the medium and long term, both worldwide and in Europe. The Frankfurt CargoHub is intended to follow this market development, with air freight volumes expected to increase to over three million tons by 2040.
Pierre Dominique Prümm, Executive Director Aviation and Infrastructure at Fraport AG, explained: "In view of the expected growth and changing requirements, now is the right time for a comprehensive innovation and investment package. Our goal is to position the Frankfurt CargoHub for the future and thus make a clear contribution to the growth of the state of Hesse as an economic powerhouse in Germany and Europe."
The new master plan is based on three pillars: digitalization and process innovation, optimization of space and development of areas. The aim is to introduce comprehensively digitalized processes in order to further increase efficiency and enable uncomplicated, seamless and transparent logistics.
Fraport also plans to redesign and develop existing areas within CargoCity Süd. This will create 43.000 square meters of additional cargo space with a direct connection to the apron. In addition, 20.000 square meters of additional space will be created for ground handling and special services. At the same time, Fraport is planning to expand its logistics infrastructure with a new Logistics Hub West on the site of the former Ticona factory on the western flank of the airport.
The development is carried out in close collaboration with the cargo community in order to take into account the needs of everyone involved and to make the CargoHub sustainable. The measures are welcomed by Dietmar Focke, Chief Operations and Human Resources Officer at Lufthansa Cargo AG, as they offer solutions to the industry's current challenges.