Air, Feature, Freight News

Schiphol seeks freighter slot solution as freight surges

[ July 22, 2021   //   Chris ]

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands processed 837,671 tonnes of cargo in the first six months of 2021, up 27.7% on last year. Some 572,111 tonnes were on freighter flights, up 23.4% and 265,560 tonnes in bellyhold, up 38.1%.

Schiphol has been facing capacity shortages for freighters due to slot restrictions, a situation which the airport is working to resolve with the Dutch Government and cargo community.

“The figures demonstrate that cargo remains important, not only for Schiphol and its local air freight community, but also for the economy of the Netherlands,” said head of aviation business development, Anne Marie van Hemert,. “We seek to find a joint solution to the slot issue.”

Schiphol appointed two cargo partnership directors after finalising a restructure, which has led to the creation of a new Aviation Business Development division under Airport Operations and Aviation Partnerships.

Olaf Van Reeden and David Van der Meer have joined Roos Bakker to shape and develop cargo processes at Schiphol, bringing together all airline and cargo commercial and operational businesses at the airport.

Under the new strategy, Schiphol will continue to drive its Smart Cargo Mainport Program and finalise the renewal of Cargonaut’s Port Community System over coming months.

Schiphol will also continue working with the Holland Flower Alliance and the Circular Plastics Alliance to use standardised boxes for flowers and help reduce waste.

Tags: Schiphol