A new dedicated road feeder service (RFS) hub at Châlons–Vatry Airport (XCR) in France is the latest sign that European air cargo operators are moving away from overburdened gateway airports in favour of more agile, decentralised logistics. Designed to link airfreight flows more efficiently across the continent, the Vatry hub offers 24/7 operations and uncongested infrastructure—key advantages as demand grows for just-in-time cargo movement and greater network resilience.
“The new dedicated RFS hub at Châlons–Vatry Airport (XCR) is a next step forward in Ninatrans’ strategy to strengthen its European air cargo network,” said Benny Smets, CEO of Ninatrans. “By choosing XCR, Ninatrans gains a well-positioned cargo airport with 24/7 operations and uncongested infrastructure.”
In contrast to crowded freight gateways such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Liège, or Brussels, XCR offers an operational advantage through its speed, availability, and lack of bottlenecks. “This gives airlines and forwarders extra capacity and flexibility, especially when larger airports… face bottlenecks,” Smets adds.
The Vatry location allows for efficient ground connections to key European airports including Liège, CDG, Madrid, Heathrow, Brussels, Luxembourg, and Hahn. “From XCR, the company can serve Liège’s express market, Paris CDG’s global reach, and major hubs like Madrid, Heathrow, Brussels, Luxembourg, and Hahn,” explains Smets. “This means airlines and forwarders have more routing options, faster transit times, and a reliable backup when primary hubs get congested.”
The location’s strategic value is amplified by its ability to scale with fluctuating demand. “Unlike larger hubs that deal with high congestion and limited handling slots, XCR provides quick turnarounds, smooth customs clearance, and ample space to scale operations up or down,” Smets says. “This gives customers an edge when reliability and cost control matter most.”
Technology as a backbone of reliability
Maintaining high visibility and operational precision is central to effective RFS, especially as airfreight depends on razor-thin margins for time and compliance. At Vatry, real-time monitoring tools are integral to delivering this performance. “At Vatry, the fleet runs with real-time tracking, geofencing, and integrated Trimble telematics,” says Smets. “This means customers can see exactly where their cargo is and get live updates when a truck enters or leaves an airport.”
These tools do more than track location—they offer end-to-end transparency and risk management. “Temperature and security sensors ensure that sensitive freight stays protected, and status data flows straight into airline or forwarder systems so there’s no guesswork.”
The technology also contributes to back-office and dispatch efficiency. “Trimble telematics is fully embedded in Ninatrans’ operations, giving dispatchers and planners real-time oversight of every truck,” Smets explains. “This helps optimise routes, monitor fuel use, and keep drivers within legal working hours. It also speeds up proof-of-delivery and customs handovers — all of which is vital when working with tight airfreight schedules.”
In essence, technology makes the RFS offering at Vatry more than just a transport service. It becomes a data-driven extension of the air cargo system—one that can respond to operational disruptions, handle sensitive shipments, and keep customers informed in real time.
Green freight corridors
Environmental pressures are growing across the air cargo industry, pushing ground operators to develop lower-emission solutions. Road feeder services are a major part of this shift, with hubs like Vatry playing a critical role in enabling green logistics strategies.
“Sustainability is another big priority,” says Smets. “After receiving the Green Truck Award in 2025, Ninatrans continues to invest in greener fuels and new vehicle technology.”
The company’s RFS fleet now includes trucks running on HVO100 and bio-LNG—two alternatives that significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel. “Parts of the fleet now run on HVO100 and bio-LNG, which cut CO₂ emissions dramatically,” he says. “On certain short feeder lanes, electric trucks are also being added.”
Smets emphasises that the environmental gains are not just about the vehicles themselves. “Combined with better route planning to reduce empty mileage, these measures help airlines and shippers meet their own carbon goals too.”
As shippers and airlines alike face increasing pressure to report and reduce scope 3 emissions, road feeder services with transparent, low-emission footprints are becoming not just preferred—but expected.
Strategic safety net
Air cargo networks are inherently vulnerable to disruption—whether from slot restrictions, customs slowdowns, or handling backlogs. Road feeder services offer a flexible layer of resilience, enabling operators to bypass constraints and maintain flow.
“Reliable road feeder services are crucial for moving cargo smoothly between airports and final destinations,” says Smets. “They bridge the gap between an airline’s airside operation and the warehouse or consignee’s door.”
In cases where direct air service isn’t practical—especially on short-haul or regional routes—RFS becomes the primary mode. But even for long-haul operations, it provides crucial contingency. “If an airport has slot issues, customs delays, or handling backlogs, trucks can reroute freight to other hubs or deliver directly, keeping cargo moving when planes can’t.”
Operational consistency is maintained through a combination of owned fleet, process standardisation, and local partnerships. “To keep this service reliable, Ninatrans combines its own fleet with standardised processes, real-time tracking, and local partners for customs and handling,” Smets says. “This means consistent quality across borders and the flexibility to adjust when schedules shift.”
The company’s recent acquisitions, including UK-based Cranleigh Freight and Germany’s All Road International, are part of a broader push to strengthen cross-border RFS resilience. “They add extra fleet capacity and local expertise in two important airfreight markets,” says Smets. “It makes it easier to build more flexible routes and handle demand spikes without compromising service.”
With the air cargo market continuing to experience seasonal volatility, geopolitical disruption, and airport constraints, RFS networks like the one anchored at Vatry are poised to play an even larger role. “A strong, agile road feeder network acts as a safety net, giving customers options when the unexpected happens,” Smets concludes.
