The airfreight industry in Europe’s developments are being driven by the demand for speed, reliability, and efficient distribution of goods.
European airfreight demand has surged, primarily driven by the growth of e-commerce and the need for fast delivery of high-value, time-sensitive cargo such as pharmaceuticals and electronics.
“We’re seeing a continuous increase in the demand for high-value cargo, especially pharmaceuticals and electronics. However, there remains a significant imbalance between west and eastbound routes, which impacts pricing and carrier options for shippers,” Fabrice Pauquet, Managing Director of XCR Airport, said.
Key location
XCR Airport’s connectivity with major European hubs is vital for its role in the region’s airfreight ecosystem. The airport’s trade lanes cater primarily to the growing e-commerce market, and Pauquet sees opportunities for future growth linked to its expanding activities.
“Our major lanes are tied to the e-commerce market, connecting to key European cities like Paris (CDG), Brussels (BRU), Amsterdam (AMS), and Frankfurt (FRA). The future of these lanes will depend on the growth of XCR’s airfreight operations and its capacity to attract new carriers.”
One of XCR’s main advantages is its strategic location in the heart of France. This central position offers easy access to major highways, allowing for swift distribution across Europe, something that makes XCR an attractive choice for airfreight operators.
“XCR is ideally located in the heart of France, providing direct access to key European markets via major highways. The airport operates 24/7 with no curfews or noise restrictions, offering flexibility for airlines. In addition, our on-site customs clearance facilities allow us to offer extremely low minimum connection times (MCT) between air and trucks, reducing transit times significantly.”
Facilitating cargo flows
XCR Airport boasts modern cargo facilities designed to handle various types of freight efficiently.
“We have two general cargo warehouses, one covering 8,000 sq m and another 1,000 sq m, alongside 2,500 sq m of cold storage facilities for temperature-sensitive goods. The proximity of these facilities to the aircraft – just 30 metres from the warehouse – ensures fast transit times between the planes and trucks,” Pauquet elaborated.
“Additionally, we have significant land available for future expansion, which allows us to develop new cargo facilities as demand grows.”
Reflecting the industry
The types of cargo driving growth at XCR align with the broader trends in airfreight demand across Europe, with e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and high-value electronics all key growth areas for the airport.
“e-commerce is the primary driver of growth at XCR, and we’ve developed strong, innovative processes to manage this effectively. We’re also seeing an increase in pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value electronics, particularly with our 24/7 operations that allow us to handle urgent shipments with minimal notice,” Pauquet stated.
With growing demand for temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals and perishables, XCR has invested heavily in cold storage facilities and efficient handling procedures to ensure the integrity of these shipments.
“We’ve invested in 2,500 sq m of temperature-controlled storage, along with a highly trained team to manage temperature-sensitive cargo. Our short distance between the runway, warehouse, and loading docks, combined with a temperature-tracking system, ensures we minimise the risk of temperature excursions and handle goods rapidly.”
Ready for action
XCR is equipped to handle a wide range of aircraft, from narrowbody to widebody freighters. The airport’s infrastructure is designed to support various freighter models, including the largest aircraft in the world.
“We’re equipped to handle all aircraft types, from propellers to widebody jets, and we can operate in all weather conditions thanks to our ILS Cat 3 system.”
“Our ramp design accommodates different loading and unloading procedures, ensuring efficiency for all freighter models. XCR was even one of the few airports to handle the AN-225, showcasing our capability to manage the largest aircraft,” Pauquet outlined
Customs clearance at XCR is streamlined to minimise delays, which is essential for time-sensitive cargo. Pauquet outlined the close collaboration with customs services and the use of advanced technology to ensure efficient clearance.
“We work closely with customs, who are on-site, allowing for rapid interventions. Our digital communication tools give customs real-time visibility of goods in and out of our warehouse. We also employ a scanning system that helps us locate controlled packages quickly, which speeds up the clearance process, especially for e-commerce shipments,” he continued.
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