Vienna Airport sees 45% belly cargo increase in Jan-Sept
Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines returned to Vienna at the end of May.
A total of 216,360 tonnes of cargo were handled at Vienna Airport from January to September, an increase of 20 percent compared to the same period last year.
"Vienna Airport recorded growth in both flown and trucked air freight. In the first nine months of the year, belly cargo on passenger aircraft increased by 45 percent to 90,692 tonnes compared to the same period last year," says an official release.
In the third quarter from July to September, cargo volume increased 25 percent YoY to 75,242 tonnes, the release added. "In September 18,094 tonnes of air freight were handled at the airport, an increase of 25 percent over the same period last year. This growth is also being driven by additional flights and the resulting increase in capacity. Qatar Airways Cargo, for example, has been operating a weekly service between Vienna and its hub in Doha since September. The Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines also returned to Vienna at the end of May."
Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO, Vienna Airport says: "Vienna Airport continues to expand its position as a central cargo hub. With our modern infrastructure and high service quality, we are creating optimal conditions for fast and efficient cargo handling. The increasing number of airlines that have chosen us as a reliable cargo location, and in particular the 45 percent growth in belly freight, confirm our importance as a key logistics hub between Europe and Asia."
Michael Zach, Senior Vice President, Ground Handling & Cargo Operations, Vienna Airport adds: "It is very pleasing that we were able to record growth in September for both freight-only flights and belly freight on passenger aircraft as well as trucking. The expansion of connectivity through new flight connections and additional cargo flights demonstrates the importance of the airport as a strategic hub in the region. The strong growth shows that we can respond to the needs of international logistics in a dynamic market environment and act as a reliable partner for cargo customers."
