Schiphol Cargo throughput swings towards exports

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol experienced improved cargo throughput figures in the three months July-September. The quarter was the best in 2012 to date, with a total of 373,988 tonnes (1.8% below 2011).

The period also saw exports exceed imports for the first time since at least the first quarter of 2011. This was influenced by strong exports to Asia, North America, Africa and Latin America in July.

Cargo for the period January-September 2012 was 2.7% down on 2011, at 1,103,162 tonnes – reducing the year-to-date shortfall from 3.3% in August. The figure was helped by September’s 2% growth.

Says Schiphol Cargo Senior VP Enno Osinga: “Considering all the ongoing problems in Europe and the USA at present, we are very satisfied with these figures, which could have been very much worse.

“It’s very interesting to note the recent swing towards exports, which may have been caused by the weak Euro encouraging overseas buyers. This is good news for our carriers, who are now enjoying more even utilisation of capacity in both directions.”

He concludes: “There is still little prospect of significant or sustained growth in the short term, and we will therefore continue to focus on our longer-term dual strategies to promote greater efficiency in processes, and stimulate new sources of traffic such as pharma. Both will eventually further strengthen our position as the preferred gateway for European air cargo exports and imports.”