The Vienna Airport aims to further expand its role in the European air freight market. At the Aircargo Club Deutschland (acd), Michael Zach, Senior Vice President of Ground Handling & Cargo Operations at Flughafen Wien AG, presented the development of the location and plans for the coming years. The airport draws a positive balance for the year 2024 and emphasizes its strategic focus on efficiency, digital processes, and sustainability.
According to its own information, Vienna Airport handled nearly 298,000 tons of freight last year – an increase of 22 percent compared to 2023. Michael Zach spoke of targeted growth based on clear investment decisions and close partnerships. He
cited good connectivity to Asia, additional freight connections, and the growing importance of e-commerce as key success factors.
Vienna benefits from its geographical location: According to the operator, 23 countries in Central Europe can be reached from the airport within one and a half days by truck. For logistics companies, this offers a logistical advantage in planning fast, cross-border transports.
In its operations, the airport relies on stable and digitally supported processes. According to the information provided, VIE Cargo Services allows for short cut-off times in export, quick import processing, and consistently digitized procedures. The main authorities – from security controls to customs and health authorities – work
around the clock. This means Vienna is significantly more robust compared to other European hubs, explained Zach. Waiting times or system bottlenecks are the exception.
A particular growth driver in 2024 was the Vienna Pharma Handling Center. The center, specializing in temperature-controlled transports, recorded double-digit growth last year. According to the airport, short routes and a continuous cold chain enabled high process quality – an important factor for the demanding pharmaceutical industry.
For the coming years, the airport announced investments in modern handling and logistics processes. E-mobility and automated systems are also planned to further enhance the efficiency of the location.
"We are working on all crucial issues
– and see it as our task to specifically further develop services," said Zach at the acd meeting in Frankfurt.
The development of Vienna met with approval within the industry. acd President Prof. Dr. Christopher W. Stoller praised the clear strategic approach:
"Vienna Airport impressively shows how an air freight location can further develop through smart investments and a clear strategy."
At the same time, Stoller called for a Europe-wide coordinated air freight policy. National solo efforts – such as in the interpretation of customs regulations – negatively affect competition.
"Only joint efforts in compliance with customs regulations prevent distortions and create reliability – for companies and locations
