HOW AIR CARGO CAN CONTRIBUTE TO AN AIRPORT'S COMPETITIVENESS

摘要

This study will examine the cargo strategies adopted by European airports. A cluster analysis of the 40 largest European cargo airports with regard to throughput is conducted based on a wide range of factors that affect airport competitiveness. The analysis identifies eight different clusters. According to the results, Frankfurt Airport is the European leader in terms of cargo (the 'Cargo Star'). This is partly due to the strategy it currently follows, as well as to its above-average scores on a wide variety of factors. The results further demonstrate that the other three main intercontinental hubs in Europe (CDG, AMS and LHR) are able to take advantage of their wide range of intercontinental airlift capacity and high route frequency in order to perform well in the cargo segment. The dedicated European air cargo hubs (e.g. Leipzig, Liege and Cologne) focus almost 100% on the freight segment, but some disadvantages have to be taken into account such as lower overall connectivity. The `Freight Potentials' perform generally better. They are expected to attract more cargo in the future in response to the capacity shortage that is likely to occur at the major European hubs. No single study focused yet on how air cargo can contribute to the competitiveness of European airports based on such a broad set of factors. The insights generated by this study could help airport managers to assess the competitive landscape, and position their respective airports herein. In addition, the study could help stakeholders to set the right objectives to be achieved by airports.