SECTOR FOCUS: LOGISTICS
Airport’s freight expectations
irmingham Airport’s runway extension goes far beyond a few hundred metres of concrete. The additional 400 metres will enable aircraft to carry more fuel and fly further, bringing new long-haul destinations within direct range for the first time. Flying direct to cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Johannesburg is not the only benefit of having a longer runway at Birmingham. An extended runway will also allow greater opportunity for freight to pass through the Airport and reach markets across the globe.
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Over the past year, freight throughput at Birmingham has risen by 10 per cent from 19,088 tonnes to 21,067 tonnes per year. The majority of freight is carried on long-haul services, with Air India, Emirates, Pakistan International Airlines and United. The freight that passes through the Airport isn’t all long-haul, with many
smaller consignments going through European hubs, taking advantage of the network of routes available from Birmingham, including Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. The ability to connect from one flight to another allows cargo to leave Birmingham for Europe and beyond, in just a matter of hours. Birmingham Airport’s freight capability isn’t confined to filling space on passenger operations either. The parcel market is served by FedEx, with regular services between Birmingham and its Paris hub, part of
their worldwide overnight network flown by modern cargo aircraft. Birmingham Airport’s runway extension and the impact it will have on freight handling is a great opportunity for Midlands based manufacturers too. Companies that make things can now access emerging economies across the globe directly for the first time. As we look to breathe new life into UK manufacturing and pursue an export-led economic revival, the value of imported freight shouldn’t be underestimated. Whether it’s fresh fruit or car parts, Birmingham Airport is well positioned to ensure that supply chains in the retail and manufacturing sector are kept running.
The automotive industry in particular is an area which benefits from Birmingham Airport’s central location and world class facilities. Shortages of components can lead to costly production line stoppages, therefore the value of often small consignments increase. As the UK’s best connected airport, Birmingham is a key port of entry for urgently needed automotive components. The ease of access and speed at which parts can be transferred from the aircraft to the factory, particularly for parts arriving from Europe, make Birmingham Airport highly favoured for this type of freight.
In the coming years, freight is expected to become increasingly important at Birmingham Airport, as it reflects economic growth in the region and its place in underpinning long-haul passenger services.
GREATER BIRMINGHAM CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE DIRECTORY 2014/15 77
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