Schiphol sees air cargo growth, but not from U.S.

   Despite continued weak activity from the United States and Asia, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol experienced the best cargo activity in 2012 during the fourth quarter, measuring volume of 380,284 tons during the period.
   Exports rose on the whole in 2012 to 49.34 percent of all cargo handled at the airport, representing a slight increase over 2011; Schiphol officials saw significant export improvement from Russia and Latin America, while Russian imports also showed a big bump.
   The United States accounted for 17.6 percent of Schiphol’s cargo traffic in 2012, a decrease from 2011’s total of 18.6 percent. In December, Schiphol experienced a 4.7-percent year over year drop in volume to and from North America, finishing the month at 22,203 tons. Asian activity remains the No. 1 cargo driver at 37.8 percent of the airport’s cargo market in 2012, but that’s also down from 2011’s figures.
   “The weak beginning to 2012 was the largest factor in the full year’s slight drop in tonnage. After that, the year displayed steadier traffic flows than 2011, with less pronounced peaks and troughs,” Enno Osinga, the airport’s senior vice president of cargo, said in a statement. “We continue to look at new markets, and we continue to drive the streamlining of processes at Schiphol. These are long-term investments that will eventually pay handsome dividends for our air cargo community, and further support our drive to be Europe’s preferred air cargo gateway.” – Jon Ross