The Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) says if Germany wants to maintain its status as the world’s leading export nation, it is only possible with a suitable logistics infrastructure.

BARIG says the air cargo business in Germany is in need of locations that are allowed to develop dynamically – if this is not the case, then logistics routes will evade Germany and increasingly shift to airports in neighbouring countries that are already today equipped with far better framework conditions.

BARIG says its standpoint is clear: the infrastructure for air cargo and logistics in Germany must be “further optimised and organised more efficiently” and large infrastructural projects at airports shall no longer be delayed, but rather tackled consequently.

BARIG secretary general, Michael Hoppe says, “If we miss out on laying the fundament for a prosperous future today, Germany will continue to lose ground in international competition, thereby putting its important position in scheduled, charter and cargo flights at risk. This in return would have serious conse- quences for economy, jobs and consumers.”

The call was made at BARIG’s recent industry event in Munich, attended by over 100 guests from politics, economics, associations and institutions.

In order to strengthen individual air cargo locations in Germany, BARIG is inducing additional regional initiatives aimed at securing growth and enhancing Germany’s position towards competitors from neigh- bouring countries.

BARIG says a good example is the Air Cargo Community Frankfurt, a coalition of firms, institutions and associations with the clear goal of fostering the air cargo location Frankfurt.

The list of over 40 members includes representatives from all areas of the air cargo process chain. This community of interests it says is equipped with different professional groups, altogether depicting the complete range of services offered at the freight location Frankfurt.

Hoppe adds: “Without a perfectly working infrastructure air cargo has no future in Germany. A rapid enhancement and optimisation of infrastructure is urgently required. Further obstacles shall not be placed in the path of airlines.

“New bans on night flights, additional noise intermissions or noise ceilings imply obvious and more operational restrictions for airlines harm the business location Germany.”