• Liège’s cargo community gathered for an awards evening marking another year of solid expansion at Cargoland, with airfreight volumes rising 16 percent, then 14 percent, and a further 16 percent in Q1 2026.
• The airport set out long-term plans to double cargo capacity by 2040, underpinned by investment focused on infrastructure upgrades, efficiency gains and tighter integration across the logistics chain.
• Awards recognised performance across the sector, with nominees spanning global carriers and integrators, as well as special acknowledgements for long-standing airline partnerships.

An industry awards evening in Liège brought together airlines, logistics operators and e-commerce players to mark another year of strong performance across the airport’s cargo ecosystem.

Following a period of sustained momentum in airfreight volumes, with reported growth of 16 percent, followed by 14 percent, and a further 16 percent in the first quarter of 2026, which was described as the strongest opening quarter on record thanks to partnership-driven performance across airlines, forwarders and airport operations.

“We have airline workers, handlers, e-commerce leaders and partners from across the cargo ecosystem,” Laurent Jossart, CEO of Liege Airport, said. “We have the momentum that we have built together in 202 4 and 2025, and we did it again within the first few months of 2026.

“As a CEO I could stand here and pretend the reason of this nice achievement is because we are brilliant. It would be a classic executive move, but it would not be true. It comes from the ecosystem, partnerships, trust in the airport and trust in your own ability to grow. These good results are also from the institutions and people making the right decisions, solving problems quickly and under pressure.”

The airport also outlined long-term ambitions, including a plan to double cargo capacity by 2040 supported by more than US$500 million in investment. Expansion was framed around infrastructure development, operational efficiency and deeper integration across the wider logistics ecosystem.

During the ceremony, awards were presented across several categories recognising performance in air cargo and logistics. Winners included:

Newcomer on Cargoland Award: Atlas Air

Forwarding Champion Award: Kuehne+Nagel

Vertical Excellence Award: Network Aviation Group 

Cargo Wings Award: Ethiopian Airlines

Ground Master Award: Swissport

Organisers repeatedly highlighted the importance of reliability, flexibility and resilience in a sector described as fast-moving and highly competitive. The evening also included a surprise segment of additional acknowledgements for key partners, with particular recognition given to long-standing airline relationships.

Closing the event, Liege Airport was clear that this milestone period could not take place without continued collaboration across the airport community and the wider air cargo sector.

“Congratulations. Let us celebrate the companies and people who share the same mindset. Thank you for being here. Enjoy the ceremony and enjoy the networking and the conversation,” Frederic Brun, Vice President Sales and Marketing, concluded.

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