Leipzig/Halle Airport: A Major Cargo Hub

Introduction

• Millions of metric tons of cargo enter Germany via Leipzig/Halle Airport annually.
• The airport handles various types of cargo, including live animals and luxury products.
• It has evolved from a provincial airport to Europe’s fourth-largest cargo hub.

Key Features & Advantages

• 24/7 Operations: No ban on night flights, essential for overnight cargo logistics.
• Location: Situated at the A14/A9 highway junction, ideal for more than just holiday air travel and scheduled flights.
• Cargo Volume: Handles roughly 1.6 million metric tons of cargo per year, with around 200 flights daily.
• Logistics Companies: Home to major logistics firms like DHL.

Airport Layout & Operations

• Total Area: 1,400 hectares
• Cargo Handling:
  • Port Ground: Handles approx. 20% of the cargo, employs 400 people.
  • DHL Express: Handles a large volume of international shipments, with 150,000 packages per hour.

Specific Operations

• Port Ground Team:
  • Boeing 747 from Krasnoyarsk example: Unloading in 60 minutes, loading follows strict safety protocols.
  • Cargo can include general parcels, heavy pallets, and sometimes dangerous goods.
  • High Loaders: Essential for unloading planes like the 747.

DHL Operations

• Night Shift: Main operational hours start at 10 PM, handling over 500,000 packages nightly.
• Hub Control Center: Central hub for coordinating flights; relies on various data, including weather and news.
• Reloading Process: Thorough checks on hazardous materials and special goods like lithium batteries.

Cargo Types

• Special Cargo:
  • IL-76TD example: Transports unique items such as field posts for German soldiers.
  • Live Animals: All types from dogs to cattle, vet inspections mandatory.
  • Large Machinery: Sometimes requires special loading equipment.

Safety and Efficiency Protocols

• Safety Checks: Visual and operational checks before unloading and reloading.
• Loading Methodology: Different methods for different plane types (e.g., Boeing 747 uses high loaders, Antonov uses winches).
• Customs Control: To combat illegal activities and ensure proper handling of customs duties.

Special Aircraft Operations

• Antonov An-124: Known for its large cargo capacity, undergoing thorough maintenance checks.
• Antonov An-225: The world’s largest aircraft, can carry significant weight, but the only existing An-225 was destroyed in 2022.

Challenges and Future Plans

• Weather Conditions: Storms affect operations, causing delays and safety protocols to halt work.
• Growth: Aim to rise as the top cargo airport in Europe, with continually increasing cargo volume and number of flights.

Conclusion

• Leipzig/Halle Airport has become a crucial hub for global cargo traffic, constantly adapting to grow and meet increasing demands.