While a very passenger-orientated airport, Vienna has seen its focus move to the importance of a strong and thriving cargo business in the wake of the pandemic.

Vienna Airport handled more than 172,000 tonnes in cargo on passenger aircraft during 2023, an increase of two percent compared to 2022.

The pharmaceutical handling at the Vienna Pharma Handling Center also saw a stable development. With 3,675 tonnes, the previous record year of 2022 was slightly exceeded by 0.3 percent. Committed to this specific cargo segment, Vienna Airport has signed Memorandums of Understanding with Incheon Airport, an air cargo partnership agreement with Korean Air Cargo and made continuing investments.

“Vienna Airport is ideally located in the heart of Europe, with 15 countries being reachable within one day of driving and 23 countries within 1.5 days. This has facilitated the setup of a dense road feeder service network to the entire Central and Eastern European (CEE) region and to all major European hubs,” Michael Zach, Head of Handling Services at Flughafen Wien AG, explained.

“Vienna Airport is focused on ensuring quality, state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology and, above all, safe and fast processes, with proven reliability that promises congestion-free and smooth handling even in times of rapid growth and high peaks, when other airports are struggling.”

Cargo and destinations

Vienna Airport see opportunities in its gateway to the CEE region for Asia, North America and potentially South America and Africa.

The hub is looking to focus on special cargo products like pharma and lithium batteries, which will be undermined by certification initiatives. The airport aims to get the IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification in the third quarter of 2024.

“This is an important step towards being able to handle a wide range of consumer goods, from cell phones to e-cars,” Zach explained.

“Another impetus for the cargo business is expected from the new long-haul fleet of our home carrier, Austrian Airlines. 

“By utilising the bellies of these aircraft, Lufthansa Cargo signed a five-year contract with the airport’s own cargo handling agent.

“This step demonstrates the high level of satisfaction of its largest customer and its trust in the airport’s capabilities to guarantee first-class handling for the growing volumes expected in the future.

“Asia and the Far East are still the driving force behind cargo development at Vienna Airport, with automotive and electronics companies with production and distribution sites in our neighbouring countries showing a strong demand for air cargo traffic through Vienna.”

Keeping it competitive

The hub has been facing strong competition from neighbouring airports in surrounding countries. However, Zach believes its customers are very satisfied with operations and the situation in Vienna.

“In a thriving cargo world, all airports in our region can serve a well-defined role and prosper, so the biggest threat comes from the current geopolitical situation and its impact on the global demand for air cargo,” Zach explained.

“We have always invested in digital interfaces to improve communication between handling, customers, and authorities. The latest Import One Stop Shop – IOSS module has created the perfect setup to process e-commerce shipments in a speedy and efficient way.

“We are expecting further growth, and although we can offer capacity for short-term increases, we are always preparing for further sustainable growth – both in personnel and infrastructure.  At the same time, we will secure and strengthen our high-quality service portfolio through certification initiatives, with IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries being the first step.”

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