Key Trends in December 2024
Looking deeper into the numbers, several trends stand out. A significant decrease in incoming tonnages from Europe (-35%) has contributed notably to the overall decline. Similarly, imports from North America (-9.5%) and Latin America (-5.7%) also faced challenges. In contrast, imports from the Middle East (+5.3%) and Far East (+1.9%) showed more positive growth.
On the export side, there was still a modest increase of +0.8%, which helped offset some of the declining import volumes. Despite this decrease in December, Schiphol’s total tonnage for 2024 remained strong, showing an 8.2% growth compared to the previous year, keeping it competitive with other major European airports like Frankfurt, which posted a growth of 6.2%, and Leipzig, which remained stable.
A Shift in Flight Trends
Another notable development is the decline in the number of freight flights at Schiphol. December saw a 3.3% drop in cargo flights compared to the previous year, with a total decrease of 2% across the entire year. This reduction in flight movements might indicate that carriers are adjusting to various factors, such as rising airport fees, especially for older freight aircraft like the B747-400F.
What Does This Mean for Logistics and Airfreight?
For logistics companies, especially those involved in airfreight, these changes could signal a shift in operations, both at Schiphol and across European airports in general. The reduction in freight flight movements could lead to tighter capacity and potentially higher costs. This, combined with fluctuating import/export volumes, means that logistics companies must stay agile and make informed decisions about their routes, scheduling, and costs.
At 7conbooking, we understand the challenges that airfreight professionals face in this evolving landscape. Our platform is designed to support businesses with seamless, real-time solutions for airfreight booking, enabling them to respond quickly to market changes like these. Whether dealing with shifting volumes, fluctuating air traffic, or adjusting to new financial landscapes like increased airport fees, 7conbooking offers a comprehensive platform that streamlines the process of managing airfreight logistics.
