Page 41 - ITLN January - February 2025

Strategic Initiatives for Growth

Digitalization 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 digitalization 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
optimizing 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 Optimization
One of the key challenges Frankfurt Airport faces is the need to optimize 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 specialized services.
This optimization 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 center 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 totaling 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.