A beacon for tomorrow’s growth

Ostend-Bruges International Airport (Ostend airport) is on the western Belgian coast that is predominantly a cargo airport specialized in the handling of outsized cargo and one that can house a number of AN-124s, AN-12s and DC8s at the same time. Until only very recently run by public authorities, the Belgian airport is now opening up to competition more and more and a distinction between services it provides among other competing airports is paramount in this respect. Its aero fresh Perishable warehouse serves as a viable option for the incoming goods such as fruits and vegetables from Egypt, fish from Uganda and Tanzania and flowers from Kenya and South Africa.

Marcel Buelens, CEO reveals to STAT Times the daily but somewhat larger-than-life activities at Ostend Airport, one of the primary logistics hubs in Europe.

Ostend Airport’s strategic location near the Belgian coast and geographical heart of Europe, serves well for major international air cargo carriers. What factors contribute to your success?

• Accessibility
• Growth potential in infrastructure
• Flexible 24/7 operations
• Fast turnarounds
• Non-congested highway network at 5km from the airport
• Two harbors very close by
• Highly qualified cargo handler(s)
• Refrigerated and temp controlled warehouses
• Top facilities for perishables, outsized cargo and livestock
• Veterinary inspection post

Major African players like Egypt Air, Allied Air Cargo, Meridian Airways and Strike Aviation have set base at Ostend airport. What do you envisage for this market in the coming years?

• We are the best and fastest cargo-hub for the UK, outside of the UK
• New based cargo operations
• Expand on temperature controlled transport, including pharma-approved

How do you rate Ostend Airport amongst the other European airports in terms of handling perishables and outsized cargo?

• Outstanding and unbeatable in transit times 4/7 veterinary access

What have been the major milestones in the air cargo performance at your Airport?

• Military conflicts in Middle East, Africa and elsewhere
• Relief goods i.e. Ebola related to Africa
• Fresh / Perishable products (seasonal)

After the cessation of activities by MK Airlines, one of the major customers of your airport, you are now looking forward to welcoming two new entrants. What is your take on this?
We would rather replace MK with two to three smaller operators in order to have a better risk management in case one has to leave. That does not mean we would not accept any big players.
We have plenty of space to build or self-build cargo facilities and operate these either by self-handling or through a licensed ground handler at the airport. Our diversification to other airport and aircraft related activities i.e. dis-assembling of aircraft, recycling industry and new life creation for aircraft parts and we serve as a maintenance base for different types of aircraft.

The airport has privatized its operations very recently. What do you foresee in the coming years for cargo at the airport?

• The airport is privatized since 27.10.14 and quite successful
• Cargo growth for the month of June 2015 was +160 percent!