AIR CARG O WEEK


WEEKLY NEWS


BILLUND'S AIRPORT CITY STARTS TO TAKE SHAPE


BY Edward HARDY AIR CARG O WEEK


BILLUND Airport is set to embark on a major expansion of its logistics operations with a new DKK 80 million air cargo facility in partnership with local trucking giant HT Transport. The project, scheduled to break ground in spring 2026, will mark the first tangible step in the airport’s long-term Airport City vision.


A modern facility for growing logistics needs “This is part of the strategic vision that we set out a few years back, wanting to create the Airport City,” says Kaspar Andreas Nissen, Senior Manager for Air Cargo at Billund Airport. He explains that while the northern side of the airport is dedicated to passenger services, the southern side is focused entirely on logistics. The new facility will be built just outside of, but connected to Cargo Handling


Billund Airport, and will cover roughly 8,700sq m of cross-docking space, alongside administrative offices, and will accommodate 54 truck docks, a significant expansion from the usual six to eight. “Being able to use these facilities, both the truck docking facilities and the warehouse facilities, really gives us the span for when things tighten up,” Nissen explains. The longstanding partnership with HT Transport, a family-owned company


with deep roots in Billund since 1973, aligns with the airport’s emphasis on efficiency. “HT is seeing quite a few benefits of building new facilities, which is modern in terms of handling processes, in terms of new office facilities for its employees,” Nissen notes.


Boosting efficiency and future growth The facility is expected to be completed by Q2 2027, offering faster handling times and minimising waiting periods for trucks during peak periods. “This really gives us the capacity to speed up already efficient hand-in and drop-off times,” says Nissen. “When you’re buying air cargo, you’re buying time. Every 30 minutes we can save adds value to our customers.” Billund Airport has experienced strong cargo growth, with volumes


approaching 90,000 tonnes for two consecutive years. Nissen attributes this success to the airport’s freighter-focused operations, which are fully separated from passenger traffic. “The market requires a regional cargo airport that can handle freighters efficiently” he says. In addition to the new facility, the project includes significant road


infrastructure upgrades. Hedevej has been realigned and expanded to provide direct truck access to the airport, reducing heavy traffic near the city of Billund and popular destinations like Legoland and Lalandia. Nissen emphasises the importance of local support: ”The municipalities are actively supporting the growth plans of the Airport City, Hedevej is a great example of that. It provides a shorter, faster, and direct access the Airport City, while keeping heavy traffic out of the city.” Billund Airport envisions Airport City as a full ecosystem of air services and


logistics operations, creating jobs and attracting businesses. “We want to attract companies that will help Billund develop into an international gateway,” Billund Airport's Chief Development Officer Ronny Kristian Lilienvald explained. “This is about creating a robust ecosystem, starting with logistics, but eventually including hotels, services, and other aviation-related businesses.” While the initial investment is DKK 80 million, the airport anticipates future


developments could reach over DKK 2 billion in the next 10 to 15 years. “This is only a small start,” Lilienvald continued, “but it’s the first step in realising our vision for Airport City and expanding Billund Airport’s position as a Northern European cargo hub.”


SPONSORS ALREADY INCLUDE: 2026


WORLD AIR CARGO AWARDS


Airline Of The Year – Europe Category Sponsor 03


Carsten Hernig Deputy General Manager, VP Sales & Marketing and Production


PACTL (Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd.) is a leading air cargo terminal operator at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, dedicated to providing efficient, reliable, and innovative logistics solutions.


We are proud to sponsor the Airline of the Year – Europe category at the World Air Cargo Awards 2026. This sponsorship reflects our strong commitment to strengthening ties with European carriers, which play a vital role in our global network.


By supporting this award, we aim to recognize excellence, foster partnership, and contribute to the continued growth and innovation in the air cargo industry.


CONTACT US


To become a sponsor, or for further information, please contact us T: + 44 (0)1737 906107 E: sales@azurainternational.com


www.aircargoweek.com


09 MARCH 2026 ACW


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