TNT Express Worldwide to build a new European air hub in Liege
GD Express Worldwide, international express distribution company, which trades as TNT Express Worldwide, has decided to open a European air hub in Liege. This is the second international cargo company that has made this choice within the last few months. The hub is due to be operational in 1998. It will be the most advanced in Europe and will link 200 destinations in the world, including a daily flight to New York.
"The new hub will allow us to handle expected growth (15 to 20% a year) in the long term, by offering an uncongested airport and the potential of expanding our facilities", says John Fellows, Chief Executive Officer." It will be purpose-built, using the most sophisticated equipment and will enable us to offer the speediest, most efficient services to our customers worldwide, including earlier deliveries and later pick-ups". About $ 63 million will therefore be invested in Liege Airport.
Liege : a "cargo-minded" airport which competes with the largest international airports
Why has Liege airport been chosen out of nine other locations in Europe, at the end of a four year study?
Location
- Liege is located in the center of the European triangle, Frankfurt-Amsterdam-Paris, which particularly suits the distribution business. In less than 4 hours, a truck can cover an area representing 66% of the European cargo market.
- The airport is located close to a multimodal platform connected to air, road and rail transport networks. It is unique of its kind in Europe.
Infrastructure
- The brand-new airport infrastrucure is flexible and land is still available. These two features permit all kinds of extension possibilities. Further infrastrucure improvements are planned, including an upgrade of the existing secondary runway, CAT III landing capacities, and an additional apron area.
Night & day traffic and services
- Liege is open to night traffic, since the area around the airport is sparsely populated. A full range of services is available around the clock.
Prices and incentives
- Land, building and landing fee prices are lower than those currently applicable in other airports.
- Investment, employment and tax incentives are encouraging.
Training
- A training center, specialized in distribution, transport and logistic activities, has been opened on the airport site.
And charters ...
- Besides its cargo orientation, Liege airport also welcomes charters. A total of eleven destinations will be open this summer. All year long, flights to Banjul and Teneriffe take to the air twice a week. Roughly 100,000 passengers will have taken off from Liege airport by the end of 1996.
