AIR CARG O WEEK


WORLD AIRPORTS


operators, as it enables optimal utilisation of aircraft payload capacity. Most shipments originate in Norway, are transported by sea to Hirtshals in northern Denmark, and then trucked to Billund Airport within a matter of hours before being uplifted by air. “Salmon is an ideal cargo for us because it balances both weight


and volume on freighters,” Nissen said. “The routing via northern Denmark has proven to be extremely efficient, and with our upgraded cooling facilities we are well prepared to handle continued growth in this segment.”


“Salmon’s high density makes it particularly attractive for freighter operators.”


REST screening sets a global benchmark One of Billund Airport’s most distinctive advantages lies in its handlers, CHBA, use of the REST (Remote Explosive Scent Tracing) screening method. As one of only two airports worldwide authorized to use this technology, Billund has gained a significant operational edge in cargo security and efficiency. REST screening allows air samples to be taken from sealed cargo


units and analysed by specially trained dogs, eliminating the need for physical opening or repositioning of shipments. Entire truckloads can be screened in approximately 20 minutes, significantly reducing handling time and improving working conditions. “REST screening has changed the way we think about cargo


security,” Nissen said. “It allows us to combine speed, safety, and operational efficiency in a way that was not previously possible. That capability is now actively influencing routing decisions in


our favour.”


Managing longer and less predictable peaks Seasonal


fluctuations, particularly around major e-commerce


periods, remain a defining feature of modern air cargo operations. At Billund Airport, peak periods are managed through early capacity planning, close co-ordination with Danish Customs, handlers, and trucking companies and the use of flexible staffing models. Recent years have demonstrated that peaks are becoming longer and less predictable, requiring a more adaptive approach to both


6


planning and execution. Temporary buffer solutions and scalable processes


are increasingly important to maintaining service


reliability during sustained high-demand periods. “One of the key lessons is that peaks no longer follow a simple


calendar pattern,” Nissen said. “That means we have to engage airlines earlier and design our handling setup so it can scale quickly when volumes surge unexpectedly.”


Collaboration anchors cargo strategy Close


companies,


collaboration airlines


with and freight public forwarders, authorities underpins


e-commerce Billund


Airport’s cargo strategy. From the airport’s perspective, aligning commercial efforts with the strategic objectives of partners is essential to maintaining competitiveness. Regular


information sharing, operational follow-up meetings and


joint problem-solving initiatives allow the airport to respond quickly to changing requirements while continuously refining its service offering. “Our philosophy is that supporting our partners ultimately


supports the airport,” Nissen said. “By staying closely aligned with their needs and challenges, we are able to develop solutions that benefit the entire cargo ecosystem.”


Preparing for the next phase of growth Looking ahead, Billund Airport expects e-commerce, specialised exports and continued investment in infrastructure to remain the primary drivers of cargo growth over the next five years. A key element of that strategy will be the development of Airport City, which is intended to support long-term expansion and operational flexibility. Securing additional


freighter capacity remains a top priority,


particularly as the airport prepares to handle both sustained growth and sudden volume shifts in an increasingly volatile market. “Our task now is to stay ahead of expectations,” Nissen said.


“That means investing in facilities, processes and partnerships while ensuring we have the flexibility to adapt as the market evolves.”


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