Luxembourg Airport handled 9, 38,000 tonnes of air cargo in 2017

February 2, 2018: 2017 was the most eventful year for Luxembourg Airport as it clocked a robust growth in the passenger traffic and air cargo.

During 2017, about 9, 38,000 tonnes of airfreight passed through the airport. It took the airport 10 years to break the record of 2007 when it handled 8, 96,000 tonnes of air cargo.

During the financial conundrum of 2008, there was a major impact on the cargo volumes. It was only since 2013 that Luxembourg Airport was able to regain its growth, thanks to the spur in the worldwide air cargo demand.

According to IATA figures, the worldwide airfreight volume grew nine percent during and 11.8 percent in Europe during 2017.

Cargolux was the largest cargo airline at Luxembourg Airport, which transported freight from Luxembourg to other parts of the world. The relationship between Zhengzhou Airport in China and Luxembourg Airport also resulted in the spike in traffic numbers. About 15 weekly flights operated between Luxembourg and Zhengzhou.

During May 2017, Cargolux entered into a cooperation agreement for air cargo with Emirates SkyCargo. In June, Emirates SkyCargo commenced its flight services to Luxembourg with modern Boeing 777F aircraft.

Qatar Airways was yet another strong contributor to the growth of Luxembourg Airport, which increased its flight services from 15 to 27 per week in 2017. Similarly, Atlas Air remained on the third position, Silk Way West Airlines climbs on the fourth spot, and China Airlines was fifth in airfreight transportation at Luxembourg Airport.

Qatar Airways also introduced its new Boeing 747-8 freighters to the Luxembourg Airport in addition to Atlas Air and Silk Way West Airlines.

In order to cope up with the increase in the air cargo business, Luxembourg Airport commenced extension of its Cargo Apron in early 2017.

It’s expected to increase its total capacity of the cargo apron from 8 to 12 parking positions, and will be capable to accommodate Boeing 747-8F aircraft.

The new extension will be equipped with a Hydrant Refuelling System, making aircraft fuelling operations safer and more efficient.

The apron will also be equipped with energy-saving LED spotlights and environmentally-friendly underground power supplies to provide electricity to the aircraft, which will replace diesel-powered units.

The first two phase is expected to be operational in September 2018, and the rest two by the end of October 2018. The project is expected to cost about 40 million Euro.

In 2017, a variety of special cargos were transported through the airport. One of the specialties of the Cargocenter at Luxembourg Airport, operated by LuxairCARGO was positioned to handle outsized cargo, which was transported with the help of 747 freighter aircraft with large nose loading door.

Meanwhile, about 31,000 tonnes of temperature-controlled pharma products were shipped through the airport. Besides, special freights like cars, helicopters, aircraft engines and animals were transported through Luxembourg Airport.