EUROPE CARGO F
AIR CARG O WEEK
EUROPEAN AIRFREIGHT FINDS ITS FOOTING
BY Edward HARDY
13 A
fter several turbulent years, European airfreight is finally finding a steadier
rhythm. Forecasts suggest that global
air cargo demand will rise by around 2.6 percent in 2026, underpinned by solid load factors and resilient trade flows. Growth isn’t as explosive as it has been in the past, but the
market is becoming more complex. Efficiency, compliance, and digital tools are no longer just nice-to-haves—they are now central to staying competitive. Customers expect real-time updates, electronic air waybills, and data-driven logistics, and those expectations are shaping how hubs operate across Europe. Michael Zach, Senior Vice President, Ground Handling and Cargo
Operations at Vienna Airport, put it plainly: “We see digitalisation accelerating across the industry — real-time visibility, e-AWB, and data- driven decision-making are now expected by our customers and are no longer optional. At the same time, duties on low-value e-commerce shipments from mid-2026 might be reshaping Asia–Europe trade patterns. “Overall, demand will remain healthy, but efficiency and compliance
have become central competitive factors. The focus has shifted from simply moving cargo to moving it predictably and reliably. Operators who can provide transparency and seamless integration will have a clear advantage. Vienna Airport is positioning itself to meet these evolving expectations through technology and process innovation.” Airlines are increasingly looking to secondary hubs to bypass congestion
at traditional giants like Frankfurt or Amsterdam. They are also seeking to reduce risk from geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. Smaller, flexible hubs with strong connectivity are suddenly much more attractive. Vienna Airport is emerging as one of these hubs. With its combination of speed, reliability, and well-connected operations, it’s offering a smoother, faster alternative in a market that can often feel gridlocked. “We focus on digitalised, predictable, and resilient logistics, which
allows us to provide short export cut-offs, fast transit times , and import release supported by round-the-clock authorities. Vienna Airport is aligned with global IATA initiatives such as ONE Record, enabling seamless data exchange and quicker clearance,” Zach emphasised. “Real-time data and digital visibility are particularly valuable for pharma and e-commerce flows, where reliability and predictability are essential. Ultimately, technology serves as a tool to create a truly predictable and resilient cargo hub. We are investing continuously to ensure that digital capabilities translate into tangible operational benefits. This strengthens Vienna’s position as a hub of choice for European airfreight.”
Fast, reliable and central In a market dominated by European mega-hubs, Vienna Airport has carved out a clear and distinctive position. Its strengths are speed, reliability, and direct access to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Freight can reach 23 CEE countries in just 1.5 days by road—a huge advantage for shipments where timing is critical. Combine that with 24/7 operations, short cut-off times, and smooth coordination with customs and security, and Vienna offers one of the most efficient cargo handling experiences in Europe. “What differentiates Vienna is speed, reliability, and unrivalled access
to Central and Eastern Europe. We can reach 23 CEE countries within 1.5 days by truck, which is a huge advantage for time-critical flows. VIE also offers 24/7 operations, short cut-off times , and well-established processes between customs, security , and other relevant authorities,” Zach described. “This results in exceptionally fast handling times. In addition, freighter positions are located near cargo facilities to keep tarmac times short and finally, our specialised Pharma Handling Center, which is another key factor that shows Vienna is becoming an agile alternative to highly congested mega-hubs. This combination of location, infrastructure, and processes makes Vienna uniquely suited for premium and time-sensitive cargo flows.” Vienna’s record-breaking performance in 2025 underlines its strategy
in action. The airport handled 313,763 tonnes of cargo—a 5.3 percent increase from the previous year. This growth wasn’t limited to one sector; it spanned e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and industrial logistics. Expanded long-haul connections, more belly-hold capacity, and efficient road feeder networks all played a part. Importantly, round-the-clock operations meant the airport could handle both inbound and outbound traffic without the bottlenecks that slow down other hubs. “The year 2025 was historic: 313,763 tonnes, a 5.3 percent
increase — our highest cargo volume ever. This wasn’t a coincidence. Expanded long-haul connections and increased belly-hold capacity laid the foundation for this growth,” Zach concluded. “As a result, we saw further expansion across all relevant segments, including e-commerce, pharma logistics, and industrial supplies. Our strategic position as an Asia–Europe–CEE hub and growing flows to North America also played a significant
role, supported by our 24/7 operations and efficient
road feeder networks. Import volumes rose 2.8 percent, exports 8.4 percent, underlining both regional demand and global connectivity. This performance proves that Vienna’s integrated approach and strong partnerships deliver measurable results in a competitive European airfreight landscape.”
www.aircargoweek.com 06 APRIL 2026 ACW
“The focus has shifted from
simply moving
cargo to moving it predictably and reliably.”
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