Rethinking logistics at Europe’s cargo powerhouse

Six months into his tenure, Denis de Farias Duarte is already making waves at one of Europe’s busiest and most complex cargo hubs - Frankfurt Airport. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the air cargo industry, marked by accelerating digital transformation, evolving trade dynamics, and mounting sustainability imperatives.

During this time, Duarte has begun shaping the next chapter of the Frankfurt CargoHub with a forward-looking strategy centred on digitalisation, infrastructure development, and cross-industry collaboration. As Frankfurt continues to strengthen its position as a global logistics powerhouse, his leadership is focused on ensuring cargo operations remain agile, resilient, and future-ready.

In this exclusive interview, we reflect on his journey so far and explore his vision for the future of air cargo at Frankfurt Airport and beyond.

Edited excerpts of the interview:

Six months into your role at Fraport AG, how would you reflect on the journey so far? What priorities have guided your initial efforts, and how are you shaping the path ahead for Frankfurt Airport’s cargo development?
My key priorities are to drive digitalisation and process innovation, optimise space utilisation and develop infrastructure to meet growing demand. This includes the development of the Frankfurt cargo site in cooperation with the entire cargo community. The goal is to expand the cargo business in Frankfurt and set global standards together with customers and partners as part of Fraport’s CargoHub Masterplan.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing air cargo today, particularly for a major hub like Frankfurt? How do you plan to address these challenges?
Challenges, particularly at major hubs like Frankfurt Airport, include altered goods flows, increasing demands for sustainability, and the necessity for seamless logistics operations. To address these, we are actively advancing the digital transformation of our processes. Our joint venture ‘allivate’ is playing a crucial role in this transformation by providing real-time insights and smart management options that enhance the digitalisation of air cargo processes, both at Frankfurt Airport and internationally. This initiative aims to improve transparency, automate cargo handling processes and establish standardised procedures.

Global trade and logistics are undergoing significant shifts, including e-commerce growth and supply chain disruptions. How do you think Frankfurt CargoHub can capitalise on these trends?
Frankfurt CargoHub is well-positioned to leverage its strategic location and use innovative technologies to enhance operations. Our extensive route network and exceptional hub connectivity make Frankfurt ideal for managing short supply chains and small consignments efficiently. Furthermore, our Masterplan prioritises digitalisation and infrastructure development, ensuring we remain adaptable to evolving market demands.

"My key priorities are to drive digitalisation and process innovation, optimise space utilisation and develop infrastructure to meet growing demand. This includes the development of the Frankfurt cargo site in cooperation with the entire cargo community."
Denis de Farias Duarte, Vice President for Cargo Development at Fraport AG

What strategies do you believe are essential for creating smoother and more transparent collaboration within the air cargo community?
Building trust through transparent communication and fostering partnerships through collaborative platforms such as the Cargo Community System are key strategies. This transparency and collaboration are key to improving efficiency and strengthening relationships within the air cargo community. After all, the success of the location depends to a large extent on the cooperation between the individual players. As the airport operator and operator of the Frankfurt CargoHub, Fraport AG sets important framework conditions. The design is agreed with the companies in the community. We are firmly committed to our guiding principle ‘Creating the Future of Cargo. Together.’

Fraport’s CargoHub Masterplan focuses on digitalisation, space optimisation, and infrastructure development. How do you plan to build on the groundwork laid by your predecessor to ensure continued success in these areas?
I plan to expand on the Masterplan by accelerating digital transformation and redesigning cargo spaces to optimise operations. Comprehensive investments in digital products and processes on both air and land sides create transparency, speed up operations, and optimise resource utilisation for all stakeholders. Additionally, intelligently redesigning and utilising existing spaces in CargoCity Süd and expanding areas in the west of the airport enhance the hub’s capabilities to meet rising demands.

With your extensive experience, what leadership qualities do you believe are essential in managing such a large and dynamic cargo operation?
In managing a large and dynamic cargo operation like Frankfurt CargoHub, I believe three leadership qualities are essential: strategic clarity, collaborative execution, and resilience in transformation.

Throughout my 26-year career across global logistics, airline cargo, and airport operations, I’ve consistently focused on aligning complex stakeholder environments with clear strategic goals. At Lufthansa Cargo, I developed and implemented a global handling strategy; at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, I led the global rollout of CargoWise One. Both roles reinforced the importance of structured yet adaptive leadership. At Fraport, I aim to build on these experiences by empowering teams, fostering partnerships, and aligning every initiative with our long-term vision for Frankfurt CargoHub as a global leader in efficiency, sustainability, and customer service. Ultimately, success at Frankfurt CargoHub will come from combining deep industry knowledge with a forward-looking mindset—and that’s exactly what I bring to the table.

How do you see the air cargo industry evolving over the next decade, especially in Europe? What role will Frankfurt Airport play in shaping its future? What key milestones will you use to measure success?
The air cargo industry will witness increased digitalisation, sustainability initiatives, and growth in e-commerce over the next decade. Frankfurt Airport will play a pivotal role by setting benchmarks in efficiency and innovation. As we expect the Frankfurt CargoHub to develop proportionally with the market, we must prepare for rising demands. This requires significant investments and changes that Fraport AG will undertake in the coming years to enhance efficiency and reliability on both air and land sides. Key metrics to measure success will include cargo throughput, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

The interview was originally published in the June 2025 issue of The STAT Trade Times.