FAST-GROWING Budapest Airport (BUD) is moving ahead with plans to become a significant eastern European airfreight hub for small parcels shipments arriving from China, reports London's Air Cargo Eyes.
A part of the Hungarian airport's long-term air cargo development strategy is the gateway's strategic focus on the handling and processing of e-commerce goods from China to Europe, an airport statement said.
This has resulted in Dutch digital wholesale e-commerce company ViaEurope choosing the Hungarian airport as its third European e-hub after Liege and Amsterdam.
After successful trials, the BUD e-hub has been officially opened to offer an extensive portfolio of delivery options, including parcels processing, expedited Customs clearances and onwards line-haul delivery services.
"By combining modern technology and dedicated service, ViaEurope has re-invented e-logistics and now brings its innovative air cargo logistics solutions to Budapest airport," it pointed out.
Already operating elsewhere in Europe at Amsterdam and Liege, the company's strategic European expansion plans led to discussions with Budapest airport.
"Alongside the recently signed cooperation agreement between China and Hungary, BUD airport's dedicated Cargo City will provide ViaEurope with an ideal new hub in central and eastern Europe, offering a unique advantage within its catchment area," the statement added.
At an opening ceremony, Budapest airport's chief development officer Rene Droese stated: "We know that e-commerce and airfreight are developing hand-in-hand and have promising cooperation opportunities with large potential for the future.
"We are happy that ViaEurope has selected BUD as its hub in the region and we congratulate the opening of its new warehouse in our BUD Cargo City."
Over the next year, Budapest airport plans to develop an additional 6,500-sq m of cargo handling capacity as well as doubling its aircraft parking area.
"Scheduled for completion by the end of 2023, this construction heralds the continuing intense cargo development at the airport," it said.
