The debate between the efficiency of dedicated cargo airports and the versatility of comprehensive hubs has recently taken centre stage amid an ever-complex and rapidly changing airfreight landscape.
Advocating for dedicated cargo airports, Joseph Zhang, Cargo Development Manager at Liege Airport, emphasised the ability to specialise and deliver operational efficiency: “A dedicated cargo airport allows us to build infrastructure tailored exclusively for freight operations, resulting in faster turnaround times, optimised processes, and cost efficiency.”
Liege Airport, a prime example of this model, has carved a niche by focusing solely on cargo, supporting high-growth sectors such as e-commerce and express shipping. Zhang highlighted the airport’s success in creating an ecosystem that prioritises freight handling: “This singular focus eliminates competition for resources, ensuring that cargo operations are never deprioritised.”
Countering this view, Ferry van der Ent, Strategy Consultant at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, argued for the advantages of comprehensive hubs, which integrate cargo with passenger operations: “The strength of a hub lies in its versatility. By combining passenger and cargo operations, we maximise route options and achieve economies of scale.”
Schiphol exemplifies this model, serving as a major gateway for both passenger and freight traffic in Europe. Van der Ent emphasised that comprehensive hubs benefit from extensive airline networks, enabling access to regions that might not justify dedicated freighter routes: “Cargo carried in the belly of passenger planes complements freighter operations, creating a balanced and efficient network.”
Asia-Pacific perspectives
Representing the Asia-Pacific region, Jason Siy, Vice President – Cargo Business at Philippine Airlines, and Gao Feng, Director of Risk Management and Control Centre at Air Road Logistics, discussed regional trends and the growing importance of strategic infrastructure.
Siy emphasised the unique challenges faced by developing markets, where comprehensive hubs often act as lifelines for trade and connectivity: “In regions like Southeast Asia, comprehensive hubs are crucial for supporting emerging economies. They enable seamless movement of goods alongside passengers.”
Feng highlighted the growing role of dedicated cargo airports in China, particularly for risk management and supply chain resilience: “China’s logistics strategy relies on dedicated cargo airports to support the country’s manufacturing and e-commerce sectors. These airports are designed with redundancy and scalability in mind, ensuring stability during disruptions.”
The rise of hybrid models
The future of air cargo is not a one-size-fits-all proposition, reflected in the effectiveness of different cargo operation models—dedicated cargo airports and comprehensive cargo hubs—hinges on specific market demands, geographic considerations, and operational priorities.
As rising segments continue to reshape global logistics, panellists discussed the potential of hybrid models that incorporate elements of both dedicated cargo airports and comprehensive hubs.
Robert Zhang, Commercial Director at SF Airlines, a major player in the express freight sector, shared insights into the growing need for flexibility. “e-commerce demands agility and speed. Dedicated cargo airports are well-suited for handling high volumes of e-commerce shipments, but hubs provide access to broader markets,” he explained.
Zhang also highlighted the importance of integrating technology to streamline operations. “Real-time tracking, AI-driven load optimisation, and predictive analytics are essential for meeting the demands of modern logistics,” he said.