DAILY NEWS XCR AIRPORT


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s larger hubs grapple with congestion and complexity, Châlons Vatry Airport is quietly becoming a preferred choice for e-commerce, perishables and last-minute charters. Amid rising demand for flexible, no-frills cargo handling, Châlons Vatry Airport (XCR) is making a case for regional specialisation


done right. XCR is positioning itself as more than just an alternative to France’s congested primary gateways. “We don’t want to be the last option,” says managing director Fabrice


Pauquet. “We want to be the preferred option.” XCR’s strategic direction centres on operational simplicity and flexibility.


The airport is one of the few in France offering round-the-clock operations, seven days a week. More notably, it has no noise restrictions—a rare advantage in Europe that offers charter operators and integrators far greater scheduling freedom. “XCR Airport is able to handle all types of cargo,” says Pauquet. “The main


objectives are to become the first choice of carriers for e-commerce and charter operations for France-destined shipments.” While most airports split services between multiple third-party providers,


XCR’s model is vertically integrated. “We are the airport operator, the ramp handler and the ground agent,” Pauquet explains. “This all-in-one package is unique in offering a single point of contact.” That structure enables the airport to respond quickly to operator demands,


especially on pricing and flight planning. “We are adapting the rates in order to provide the best rates,” Pauquet says. “The goal is to reduce the DOC [direct operating cost] for the carriers.”


e-commerce anchors growth The airport has seen a steady uptick in e-commerce volumes, which remain its primary growth engine. However, geopolitical


friction—particularly


between the US and China—has introduced a layer of unpredictability. “e-commerce remains strong, even if the diplomatic issue between the US and China leads to unknown predictions,” Pauquet notes. “The Chinese


customers seem to be cautious on new route openings.” Yet XCR’s operating profile plays to e-commerce’s demand for speed, scale


and flexibility. “Our infrastructure is an advantage due to the size and the ‘no congestion’ status,” he adds. With space to grow and minimal operational bottlenecks, the airport


positions itself as a relief valve for e-commerce capacity across France— especially when larger hubs are overburdened or constrained by curfews. In 2025, XCR will break up its existing 4,200 sq m warehouse to offer


expanded temperature-controlled storage with a constant +15°C to +25°C range—ideal for high-value perishables, pharma and sensitive electronics. “The investment will be in the capacity to have a +15/+25 structure


available all year round,” Pauquet confirms. This comes as XCR steps up efforts to become a gateway for perishable


imports, particularly from Africa. Following the ACW Africa conference, the airport established several new contacts and sees itself well positioned to attract regional flows. “The perishable market is one of the targeted lanes for growth,” Pauquet


says. “After the last ACW Africa, many contacts were made and there is room for XCR Airport to play a leading role in the French market.” While the physical infrastructure will be visible, Pauquet stresses the


importance of behind-the-scenes upgrades as well. “We will also have some ‘invisible’ investments from 2025 onwards, where


we expect to go for ISO and CEIV certifications,” he adds, referring to quality and pharma compliance standards increasingly required by global forwarders. XCR’s model is built around flexibility. The airport doesn’t just handle scheduled flights;


it accommodates short-notice charters and one-off


freight movements that often fall outside the operational comfort zone of major hubs. “To be honest, the cooperation is pretty good for all kinds of requests,”


says Pauquet. “We have the flexibility in terms of resources when the flight is scheduled.” That capability makes the airport especially attractive to ad hoc operators


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