Brussels Airport consolidates its position as logistics hub
New investment by DHL
Over the last 10 years, Brucargo – the cargo site of Brussels Airport – has developed into an essential lifeline for logistics in Belgium, making Brussels Airport the second logistics centre in Belgium after the port of Antwerp and consolidating its position as European hub for cargo transport by air and by road. Brussels Airport and its partners invest a total amount of 150 million euros in the DHL project.
We are happy to see a partner like DHL consolidate their presence at Brussels Airport for the long term through the development of new activities. This once more confirms the importance of Brussels Airport for the air and road transport in Belgium. Moreover it has an immediate positive effect on employment in our country. In 2012, we announced important investments by Brussels Airport and its partners for the period 2012-2017 with a view to consolidating Brussels Airport’s role in cargo transport; a goal which we already achieved and which is even exceeded.", says Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.
DHL, which combines air transport and road transport, invests 114 million euros in this important project and serves an increasing number of direct destinations. The future activities of DHL resulting from this new development, will be carried out during the day and will have no impact on the number of night flights. They will be operated with a modern fleet and high-tech warehousing and infrastructure.
The new hub consolidates Brussels´ important position in the European and worldwide network and reinforces Belgium’s trade links with the rest of the world", says Koen Gouweloose, Managing Director Hubs & Gateways Benelux & France at DHL. "For our customers - both companies and private individuals - more possibilities from the hub in Brussels also means greater flexibility, later pick-up times and improved service", observes Danny Van Himste, Managing Director DHL Express Belux.
In 2012, the airport announced investments in Brucargo for an amount of 200 million euros over the period 2012- 2017. This goal is amply achieved due to the efforts made by the airport and its partners and the development of all modes of air cargo transport: full freighter, express services and belly cargo (freight on board passenger aircraft). These segments reinforce one another and are essential for securing a strong and sustainable position in cargo transport.
With 454,000 tonnes of cargo carried a year, Brussels Airport is the second logistics player in Belgium after the port of Antwerp, providing a direct employment of 4,500 jobs and an indirect employment of 7,500 jobs.
The new routes served by Qatar Airways and the arrival of Ethiopian Cargo demonstrate the importance of Brussels Airport as central hub in Europe for the global air cargo industry.