Amsterdam Airport Schiphol handled 1.2 million tonnes of cargo in the first nine months of 2014, up 8.1 per cent on the previous year.

In the third quarter Schiphol handled 409,382 tonnes of cargo, up 6.7 per cent on the same period last year. Cargo volumes have been volatile throughout the year. Growing in January, February and March with 123,060 tonnes, 123,387 tonnes and 146,545 tonnes, respectively, volumes dropped to 134,625 tonnes in April. 

In May, traffic rose again to 139,734 tonnes before dipping to 134,350 in June. In July, August and September it handled 136,650 tonnes, 136,638 tonnes and 136,093 tonnes respectively. Schiphol cargo senior vice president, Enno Osinga says: “New initiatives and investments such as our Joint Inspection Centre for Customs, which is opening in 2016, will continue to drive streamlined processes, and enhance customer experience at Schiphol. This should attract more flights, operators and cargo.” Each month of 2014 has seen a year-on-year rise. In January, February and March it was up six per cent, 8.7 per cent and 7.2 per cent, respectively. In April it was up 9.1 per cent on 2013, despite the volume fall compared to March. May saw the biggest year-on-year rise of 14.1 per cent and June saw an increase of eight per cent. July was up 9.7 per cent before growth slowed to 6.2 per cent and 4.2 per cent, respectively in August and September. In the third quarter 40.5 per cent of traffic was with Asia, while North America was 18.9 per cent. The Middle East was third at 11.9 per cent, with Latin America and Europe representing 9.6 per cent and 9.4 per cent, respectively. Year-to-date (YTD) Asia has a 38.9 per cent share of traffic and North America 18.3 per cent. The Middle East has a 12.8 per cent share, while Latin America and Europe represent 9.9 per cent and 9.5 per cent YTD, respectively.