Aeroflot completes 15 years of European cargo operations

Jun 15, 2017: Russia based Aeroflot marked 15 years of cargo operations in Europe with a gala celebration at its Regional Cargo Representation (RCR) in Germany for business partners and industry media.

The programme included a presentation on the RCR’s history and performance, a brief press conference and an informal cruise on the Mosel River.

Effective strategic planning, flexible tariff policies and strong management have established Aeroflot as a significant player on the European air cargo market despite periods of economic and political turbulence. Aeroflot plans to expand its presence in this key sector of global logistics further as the market continues to grow. The carrier’s freight traffic has grown faster than the global market average, driven in Europe by a revival of trade and increasing volumes of e-commerce. Aeroflot is also looking to develop multi-modal transport to meet demand from the European market.

Aeroflot flights operate from almost all European capitals, with Germany being the largest market in terms of cargo volumes, with eight airports of departure. Key markets for Aeroflot’s European cargo operations are Russia, China, India and South-East Asia. As with passenger transit traffic, Europe-Asia traffic is a strategic priority. IATA forecasts that cargo volumes between Europe, on the one hand, and China, India and South-East Asia, on the other, will grow by an annual 4.5 percent through 2020. Russian carriers account for 7 percent of cargo traffic between Asia and Europe in total.

European and Asian markets are offered the full range of freight-forwarding products by the SkyTeam Cargo alliance, from general cargo to expert logistical solutions for special freight (e.g., hazardous, valuable or perishable goods). Courier and express cargo services are in constant demand. Aeroflot has formed numerous partnerships with European freight-forwarding agents and companies. Key sectors in the Russian carrier’s cargo traffic include high-tech goods, industrial equipment and spare parts, textiles and clothing, medicines and high-quality consumer goods.

As part of its innovative approach, Aeroflot is introducing the e-Freight standard, electronic customs declarations, and online services for cargo booking, processing and tracking based on global platforms.

As global logistics rebounded in 2016 Aeroflot Group companies carried 204.4 thousand tons of cargo and mail. Cargo and mail traffic accounts for approximately 5% of the Group’s total revenue, indicating high growth potential going forward. Cargo volumes – the key industry measure – grew by an impressive 24% in 2016.