Fraport Unveils Strategic Development Plans for Frankfurt CargoHub

Fraport is launching a comprehensive CargoHub Masterplan to enhance Frankfurt Airport’s air cargo capacity through digitization, space optimization, and development, aiming to meet growing demand and ensure sustainability.

 

Frankfurt CargoHub to Undergo Major Upgrades to Meet Growing Demand

Strategic Development for Air Cargo Growth

Airport operator Fraport is strategically positioning Frankfurt Airport to handle increasing air cargo volumes, driven by expanding global trade. The Frankfurt CargoHub is expected to exceed three million metric tons of airfreight by 2040, marking a 50% increase from the previous peak in 2021.

Three Pillars of the CargoHub Masterplan

Dr. Pierre Dominique Prümm, Executive Director for Aviation and Infrastructure at Fraport AG, announced a comprehensive innovation and investment package known as the CargoHub Masterplan. This initiative focuses on three key areas: digitization and process innovation, space optimization, and space development.

Digitization and Process Innovation

Enhancing Efficiency with Digital Solutions

Fraport is adopting advanced digitized processes to boost efficiency and facilitate seamless logistics. Central to this transformation is the Cargo Community System, developed in partnership with DAKOSY through a joint venture called allivate. This system provides real-time insights and smart management options via data-driven dashboards and analysis, accelerating the digital transformation for cargo.

Space Optimization

Redesigning CargoCity South

Fraport plans to redesign and develop existing spaces within CargoCity South, swapping flight-operations areas with cargo spaces. This will free up 43,000 square meters of additional cargo space directly connected to the apron and create 20,000 square meters for ground handling and special services. Discussions with regulatory authorities and the necessary zoning modifications are underway.

Space Development

New LogisticsHub West

To accommodate growing cargo volumes, Fraport is developing the LogisticsHub West on the site of the former Ticona plant. The first phase, starting in 2028, will include up to 150,000 square meters of warehouse space on a 250,000 square meter site, with additional operational facilities occupying 35,000 square meters. The site’s proximity to the Northwest Runway offers potential airside connections, and long-term plans include developing it into a trimodal hub with road, rail, and air connections.

Collaborative Development

Engaging the Cargo Community

Max Philipp Conrady, SVP Cargo Development and Management at Fraport AG, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Our guiding principle is ‘Creating the Future of Cargo Together’. We are working closely with our customers, partners, and neighbors to develop the airport sustainably.”

Industry Support

Lufthansa Cargo’s Commitment

Dietmar Focke, COO at Lufthansa Cargo AG, welcomed the measures: “The planned initiatives address current industry challenges. We need timely, digital processes, particularly for e-commerce. Lufthansa Cargo is investing €500 million in infrastructure and new cargo aircraft to boost our presence at Frankfurt hub.”

Leading European Cargo Hub

Maintaining Leadership

Frankfurt Airport handles more cargo annually than any other European hub. By collaborating with the cargo community, Fraport ensures secure, rapid, and efficient cargo handling, supporting the full-service logistics needs of major global companies.