3/7/2008

International survey ranks Munich Airport Number 1 in Europe for Cargo

"Air Cargo Excellence Survey" gives Munich high points for performance

Munich Airport has been ranked Europe´s top airport for cargo services in the fourth edition of the "Air Cargo Excellence Survey" conducted by a leading international freight trade publication, "Air Cargo World." Munich Airport came in second worldwide in a survey of cargo industry airlines and forwarders, just after Nagoya´s Central Japan International, which placed first and which is Munich´s sister airport in Japan. The survey also rated airlines, with Lufthansa Cargo and Swiss WorldCargo earning the highest marks.

"As a growing hub and an aggressive campaigner for more international freight operations," says "Air Cargo World" Editor-in-Chief, Paul Page, "Munich Airport was the top vote getter among all European airports and the top two worldwide." Airports were rated on performance, value, facilities and operations. Munich won the highest ratings among European airports for performance, facilities, operations and for overall scores, and it was tied for first with London Gatwick for value at the European level.

According to Andreas von Puttkamer, head of Munich Airport´s Aviation division, "We are pleased to have ranked so highly in this survey since it proves that we´re developing the right cargo facilities to meet the diverse needs of airlines and other companies in the logistics chain as well as the needs of Bavarian exporters." In 2007, notes Puttkamer, "Bavaria’s exports reached a record level for the fourteenth consecutive year, exceeding the level of 150 billion euros for the first time. The export quota already exceeds 50 percent. Bavarian companies now earn every second euro on the global markets."

Munich Airport saw a busy year of cargo expansion in 2007 with an 11.5 percent increase in cargo representing a total of over 450,000 metric tons. Munich also gained much-needed capacity with the opening of a freight forwarding logistics center and small animal border control station last year.

Full details regarding the "Air Cargo Excellence Survey" are posted at www.aircargoworld.com

Source: Invest in Bavaria