Copenhagen Airport (CPH) has signed an agreement with German developer AXXUS Capital to develop a new 20,000m² (215,278ft²) air cargo center in the eastern part of the airport. The new site is expected to be ready within two years.
The center will be located in the remaining vacant space in the airport’s current cargo area, meaning it will have its own direct access to airside. AXXUS Capital is investing Dkr300m (US$47.7m) in developing the new center.
Peter Krogsgaard, chief commercial officer at Copenhagen Airport, said, “Air cargo is vital for a major international airport such as CPH, so it’s been important for us to find a partner that can both improve and develop our cargo services. We’ve found that partner in AXXUS, which is a specialist in developing air cargo facilities.
“Especially on the long-haul intercontinental air routes, belly cargo is a particularly important part of the business. This cargo can make up more than 10% of revenue on a route. Today, belly cargo accounts for 40% of the total tonnage at CPH and is up 7% this year. We’re actively working to attract even more long-haul routes, so it’s an important part of our strategy to create a good platform for air cargo at CPH.”
Markus Wolf, CEO at AXXUS Capital, commented, “The new cargo center will have state-of-the-art technology and support both automated and manual processes. In terms of safety, it will be of the highest standard with separate areas for all safety levels, and there will also be optimal conditions for refrigerated facilities, which are vital for many customers in, for example, the pharmaceutical industry.
“We see huge potential in developing air cargo at Copenhagen Airport. In the coming years, there will be an even greater need for good air cargo facilities for handling the growing cargo volumes to and from China and other places.”