In the first half of 2017, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport has reported that it has seen a strong increase of its cargo business; the airport has reported a record growth of more than 50% in the first six months of the year.

This record growth represents 49,000 tons of freight which were handled at the airport from January to June. This marks a gain of 52% compared with the first six months of 2016. In June alone, the airport reports 8,670 tons of freight, up 101% compared to June 2016.

"All signs point toward growth“, quoted Roger Scheifele, Senior Vice President Cargo Sales & Business Development at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. During the last months, the two biggest cargo-clients of Hahn Airport, Silk Way und Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) have increased their freight volumes. Furthermore, Silk Way Airlines saw growth of 10% in its numbers of flights. In addition, the airline Etihad has added two weekly connections.

Roger Scheifele was also very pleased with the development of the cargo flights by the logistics company "Senator International“ and the airline "Air Atlanta Icelandic“, that started off last year. "With two weekly connections to the USA we see a stable development with the potential of more growth for this client“, quoted Scheifele.

The growth in the cargo business is also based on a strong charter business. "The continued hard work of the sales team has led to the acquisition of numerous new customers“, quoted Scheifele. "Time and time again, we prove our particular expertise in this field“ he added. Whether large and bulky, high or long – Frankfurt-Hahn Airport is able to manage all kinds of special cargo. In addition, the airport sets a focus on live animal transport in regard of the corresponding qualifications.

Speaking about the volume of passengers, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport sees a growth rate which is slightly below the numbers of the first six months of 2016. From January to June 2017, 1.8 million passengers were handled at the airport, a loss of 5% compared to the previous year period. In June alone, 229,640 passengers were counted, 5% less that in June 2016.

"Therefore it is all the more important to strengthen the passenger business“, quoted John Kohlsaat, Sales Director at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. He sees growth opportunities for expanding the cooperation with tour operators, because more and more operators are offering pack-age tours starting at Hahn Airport. Most recently, tour operator TUI has included Frankfurt-Hahn Airport in its portfolio and reports high booking volumes. “We intend to further improve this business segment“, said Kohlsaat.

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport runs flights to more than 50 destinations in Europe and Northern Africa offerd by the airlines Ryanair, Wizz Air and SunExpress.