Liège Airport Welcomes Swissport’s First Perishable Handling Center

Swissport Enhances Cargo Capabilities at Liège Airport

Swissport has taken a significant leap in refining its cargo operations with the recent inauguration of a specialized perishable handling center at Liège Airport, the first of its kind at the facility. This innovation, fully operational since 1 August, aims to bolster the airport’s status as a strategic logistics hub in Europe while significantly improving cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive goods.

What is the New Facility About?

The newly established perishable handling center represents a key component of Swissport’s strategy to enhance specialized cargo operations, including perishables and e-commerce goods. The temperature-controlled installation, located airside, is expertly designed for the effective handling of Unit Load Devices (ULDs) that carry delicate goods requiring strict temperature regulation. With a climate range maintained between 2°C and 8°C, the facility boasts a capacity to accommodate 40 ULDs, which equates to the load capacity of a full freighter flight. This ensures swift processing and robust protection for sensitive shipments.

Operational Efficiency and Accessibility

Integrating this new facility with Swissport’s existing infrastructure significantly enhances their overall efficiency. The facility further strengthens their third cargo terminal at Liège, inaugurated in April 2024, expanding the total operational footprint to an impressive 27,000 square meters. Recent upgrades across major cargo hubs in Europe, such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Madrid, showcase Swissport’s ongoing commitment to advancing specialized cargo sectors.

Commitment to Tailored Cargo Solutions

Wilfried Jans, the Managing Director of Swissport Belgium, emphasizes the goal behind this new facility. “This specialized perishable center demonstrates our dedication to developing customized cargo solutions that address the evolving needs of global logistics,” he notes. This strategic endeavor positions Swissport as an essential partner for products requiring strict temperature controls, particularly for high-value perishables like cut flowers, which are becoming increasingly significant in global trade.

The Role of Liège in Swissport’s Global Network

Liège Airport now assumes a crucial role in Swissport’s global cool chain network. The company stands out as one of the few ground handlers worldwide that provide specialized temperature-controlled services at both the beginning and end of the supply chain, guaranteeing comprehensive protection for time-sensitive shipments.

Minimizing Risks and Enhancing Freshness

The facility’s strategic location on the airside allows for direct transfers between aircraft and cold storage, which diminishes the likelihood of temperature excursions that could jeopardize product quality. This set-up ensures that product freshness is maintained and accelerates delivery times for both imports and exports.

Supporting Import Flows

One of the center’s significant advantages lies in its secure cold storage offering for goods in transit. This mechanism is tailored for final delivery by truck across Europe, particularly benefitting the Dutch flower market and reinforcing Liège’s importance as a connection point in the cool chain logistics of flowers and other perishables.

Future Investments and Expansion Plans

Dirk Goovaerts, Global Cargo Chair and CEO of Swissport’s CEMEAI region, elaborates on the investment’s strategic nature. “By extending our pharma-handling expertise to perishable goods, Swissport is now uniquely positioned to provide the entire Liège community with access to a temperature-controlled flower corridor linking Nairobi and Amsterdam. This aligns with our expanding footprint in eCommerce logistics,” he adds, highlighting the exciting growth in this area.

Comprehensive Cargo Services Since 2001

Swissport has been a vital service provider for cargo airlines at Liège Airport since 2001, offering a wide range of services, including both general and special cargo handling, along with temperature-controlled operations and express services. In 2024 alone, the dedicated Swissport team managed 400,000 tons of air cargo and serviced over 3,850 freighters, thereby showcasing their expansive capabilities within this pivotal logistics hub.

Benefits of the New Perishable Center

• Zwiększona wydajność: Streamlined operations reduce processing times and improve cargo flow.
• State-of-the-art Facilities: Advanced temperature controls ensure the safety of sensitive goods.
• Strategic Location: Direct aircraft-to-cold-storage transfer minimizes handling risks.
• Market Focus: Special focus on flowers and perishables provides a competitive edge in perishable logistics.

Przemyślenia końcowe

In summary, Swissport’s new perishable center at Liège Airport marks a significant advancement in the realm of cool chain logistics and represents a robust response to the growing demands of specialized cargo transport. Amid this evolution, platforms like GetTransport.com offer users a gateway to affordable, global cargo transportation solutions—ranging from office relocations to bulky deliveries, ensuring a seamless logistics experience. Indeed, while the reviews and insights are illuminating, nothing can compare to your firsthand experience. By utilizing GetTransport.com, you can secure the best prices globally for your cargo transport needs, allowing for informed decisions without hidden costs. Count on the convenience, reliability, and variety that GetTransport.com brings to the logistics table. For your next transportation needs, remember to Zarezerwuj teraz na GetTransport.com!