Developing the future of Frankfurt Airport’s cargo hub: Space optimisation, space development, and digital and process innovation
How Fraport is partnering with the Cargo Community to optimise space, develop infrastructure, and implement digital innovations over the coming years.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) as the long-standing European air cargo leader, faces a future marked by both significant growth opportunities and complex challenges. With global trade continuing to expand, particularly in the e-commerce sector, the demand for air cargo services is expected to grow significantly over the next two decades. Forecasts suggest that airfreight volumes at Frankfurt could exceed three million metric tons by 2040- a 50% increase over the 2021 peak. This anticipated growth, combined with challenges such as shifting goods flows, digitalisation, and sustainability, has driven Fraport, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, to launch an ambitious Masterplan CargoHub aimed at securing the airport’s future as a global cargo leader.
At the heart of the masterplan is a comprehensive investment package centred on three key initiatives: digitalisation and process innovation, space optimisation, and infrastructure development. Together, these initiatives will enhance efficiency, create much-needed capacity, and help Fraport manage the complexities of the evolving air cargo industry.
Strategic Initiatives for Growth
Digitalisation and Process Innovation
As the air cargo sector grows, speed and efficiency are becoming more essential than ever. Digital transformation is a core element of Fraport’s CargoHub Masterplan, focusing on streamlined operations through advanced digital infrastructure. Central to this effort is the Cargo Community System, developed with software provider DAKOSY. This platform integrates data across various logistics players to deliver real-time insights, smart management tools, and transparent communication throughout the cargo supply chain.
To further these digital goals, Fraport and DAKOSY have established a joint venture, Allivate GmbH, with each holding a 50 percent share. Allivate’s mission is to manage and enhance Cargo Community systems that advance air freight digitalisation both at Frankfurt Airport and internationally. Together, the partners aim to set a new standard for digital efficiency in global air logistics.
The Cargo Community System offers data-driven dashboards and analytics to cargo handlers, freight forwarders, and airlines, ensuring seamless communication and optimising resource deployment. Through Allivate, Fraport aims to drive continual advancements in this system, accelerating digital transformation across the Cargo Community. The system’s real-time data exchange and paperless processing bring transparency and efficiency, crucial for meeting the growing demands of e-commerce and global trade.
Moreover, Fraport is investing in electric vehicle infrastructure and paperless collection systems for transportation companies, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability alongside efficiency.
Space Optimisation
One of the key challenges Frankfurt Airport faces is the need to optimise existing space to accommodate the expected increase in cargo volumes. Fraport is addressing this through a strategic redesign of the CargoCity South area. This redesign involves swapping flight operations areas with cargo spaces to free up 43,000 square meters of additional cargo space directly connected to the airport’s apron. The move will also create 20,000 square meters of additional space for ground handling and specialised services.
This optimisation will enhance Frankfurt’s capacity to handle increasing cargo volumes while maintaining operational efficiency. Notably, the 18 aircraft parking positions impacted by the changes will remain available under a new arrangement, ensuring that cargo services remain unaffected during the transition.
Infrastructure Development: LogisticsHub West
Looking beyond immediate space needs, Fraport has ambitious plans to expand its cargo handling capabilities by developing a new cargo area on the airport’s western side, featuring facilities from various partner companies. Known as the LogisticsHub West, this development will occupy the site of the former Ticona plant, which is designed to be a state-of-the-art logistics centre with sustainable, smart infrastructure.
The project is set to be completed in two stages. From 2028, up to 150,000 square meters of warehouse space will be available on a site totalling 250,000 square meters. An additional 35,000 square meters will be dedicated to operational facilities for other airport functions. The location’s proximity to the Northwest Runway offers the potential for a direct airside connection, enhancing the efficiency of cargo handling.
Fraport’s long-term vision includes the possibility of transforming LogisticsHub West into a trimodal hub, integrating road, rail, and air connections by 2030. This development would position Frankfurt Airport as a central node in Europe’s logistics network, facilitating seamless multi-modal transport solutions for global cargo players.
Collaboration with the Cargo Community
Fraport’s success in developing Frankfurt Airport’s cargo capabilities relies heavily on collaboration with the local Cargo Community. By fostering partnerships with airlines, freight forwarders, cargo handlers, and logistics companies, Fraport ensures that its development plans align with the needs and expectations of its customers and stakeholders.
The guiding principle behind the Masterplan CargoHub is 'Creating the Future of Cargo. Together.' emphasising the importance of partnership and collaboration in shaping a sustainable and innovative future for air cargo. This collaborative approach ensures that Fraport can address the current and future challenges of the cargo sector while also meeting the expectations of local stakeholders.
Lufthansa Cargo, a key partner in the development of the masterplan, is investing €600 million in its infrastructure at Frankfurt Airport and ordering new cargo aircraft to strengthen its presence at the hub.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The air cargo industry faces several challenges beyond capacity expansion. Geopolitical crises, macroeconomic instability, and evolving customer demands require flexible and adaptable processes across the logistics chain.
In response to these challenges, the Masterplan CargoHub places a strong emphasis on flexibility and innovation. Digital infrastructure, such as the CCS, will enable cargo operators to respond swiftly to changes in demand and market conditions. Additionally, by optimising space and developing new infrastructure, Fraport is positioning Frankfurt Airport to handle the complexities of modern cargo logistics, including the need for rapid handling and delivery across key sectors such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals.
Looking ahead: A sustainable, digitalised future
Frankfurt Airport’s forward-thinking approach to its CargoHub is setting new benchmarks in efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. The ambitious masterplan—rooted in digitalisation, space optimisation, and collaborative development—demonstrates Fraport's commitment to maintaining its position as one of Europe’s leading cargo hubs while preparing for the future demands of a rapidly expanding industry.
By integrating smart technology, building strategic partnerships, and optimising infrastructure, Frankfurt is not just responding to the challenges of today but also anticipating the needs of tomorrow’s global supply chain. This is a bold vision for the future of air cargo, where airports like Frankfurt will play a pivotal role in keeping the world’s goods moving swiftly, sustainably, and securely.
As we look ahead, it becomes clear that the success of air cargo hubs will no longer hinge solely on capacity, but on their ability to innovate and adapt. Frankfurt’s masterplan speaks volumes of how a combination of technological advancement, community collaboration, and space development can redefine the air cargo sector. For stakeholders and industry leaders, the message is clear: those who embrace innovation and partnership will thrive in the future of global trade, with Frankfurt leading the way as a model of transformation and growth.
To learn more about Fraport’s CargoHub Masterplan and the innovative steps shaping the future of air cargo, visit the official Frankfurt Airport Cargo Hub page. Discover how digital transformation, space optimisation, and infrastructure development are driving the next era of logistics excellence.
This article was originally published on The STAT Trade Times.
