15.10.2008 Cargo market expanding despite financial crisis
Starting 12 October, Korean Air Cargo is increasing its number of weekly flights between Copenhagen and Seoul in South Korea from two to three; China Cargo Airlines is stepping up the frequency of its Copenhagen flights as well. These expansions are clear markers of the upward trends in Copenhagen Airport’s cargo traffic, and next spring, the airport will also see FedEx Express opening their new cargo terminal.
Korean Air Cargo's increase to three weekly Boeing 747 flights between Copenhagen and Seoul is a bright spot in these dark times. "Even in times of global financial distress, Korean Air Cargo is maintaining a very aggressive approach to the market, and we consider the Nordic markets to have the greatest potential in Europe," says Sang Man Lee, Korean Air Cargo regional manager for Scandinavia.
Another Asian company, China Cargo Airlines, is increasing its flight frequency between Copenhagen and Shanghai in October from three to four times a week with the MD 11 aircraft.
Important strategy elements
Also on the ground, at the eastern end of the airport cargo area, these trends are visible in the shape of a brand new cargo terminal being built. The terminal belongs to the world's largest express cargo handlers, FedEx Express, and it will be ready to use in the spring of 2009.
A future total of 2370 m2 of cargo terminal and office facilities, the construction project is the result of close cooperation between FedEx Express and Copenhagen Airports. Currently, FedEx Express conducts 12 weekly Airbus 300 flights to and from Paris, Stockholm and Helsinki.
"The current expansion by both Korean Air Cargo and China Cargo Airlines and the collaboration with FedEx Express are important elements in CPH's strategy aimed at boosting cargo traffic, which is based in the eastern area of the airport," says Brian Petersen, CEO of Copenhagen Airports.
In 2007, Copenhagen Airports saw a 4.1% rise in cargo volume - a development which makes their position as the largest air cargo hub in Scandinavia very clear. A total of 395,506 tonnes of cargo were handled at Copenhagen Airport in 2007, up from 380,024 tonnes in 2006.
http://www.cph.dk/CPH/UK/B2B/Airlines/News/Route+News/2008/cargo+market+expanding.htm