Lufthansa Cargo has said it plans to make Frankfurt Airport ‘one of the world’s most important e-commerce hubs.’
In a statement, it said is driving forward the expansion of the e-commerce business at the airport with two subsidiaries – the logistics service provider heyworld and the customs clearance agency CB Customs Broker GmbH.
“A decisive success factor for online retailing is the resilience and speed of the supply chain. We want to make Frankfurt a leading location in this segment by offering holistic solutions for shipping, customs clearance, and onward transport of e-commerce shipments,” said Ashwin Bhat,” CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.
In addition, full-service customs agency CB Customs Broker recently announced a partnership with handling expert GEORGI Handling. To promote e-commerce business in Frankfurt, both companies are creating a new e-commerce terminal in Cargo City South, with plans for it to be an important base for the Asian market.
Among other future drivers of the airfreight industry, Lufthansa Cargo noted the expansion of the intra-European route network, further sustainability measures and a digitalisation initiative that involves the transportation of cargo by electronic air waybill.
This is the digital equivalent of a paper air waybill and is used in place of the paper document for shippers, forwarders, customs offices, and air cargo companies, streamlining the air cargo procedure.
“We are currently experiencing various upheavals within the airfreight industry. Sustainability, digitalisation and booming online trade are playing a central role. In order to be able to master this, we are relying on decisive and dynamic action along with all stakeholders in the industry. This is the only way we can remain fit for the future and live up to our responsibility as one of the world’s leading airfreight companies and enabling global business,” Bhat added.
