Schiphol handled 1.66 million tonnes in 2021, up 15.7% with inbound cargo increasing 15.2% to 869,241 tonnes and outbound cargo going up 16.1% to 798,063 tonnes.
In 2021, 67% of cargo was shipped on full freighters and 33% on passenger flights.
Inbound and outbound traffic was up for all regions of the world with Asia having the highest volumes; outbound cargo was up 8.7% to 259,615 tonnes and inbound by 4.9% to 279,822 tonnes.
Schiphol says there were capacity difficulties at the end of 2021 due to high demand but it set up a taskforce with supply chain partners situated at Schiphol Zuidoost to resolve the problems.
Anne Marie van Hemert, Head of Aviation Business Development says the 2021 figures are encouraging and creating the new division with airline and cargo businesses in one department has improved efficiency.
She says: “The newly established team has focused on accelerating our Smart Cargo Mainport Program and ensuring faster handling of export cargo, resulting in Digital Pre-notification for all ground handlers at Schiphol as the new standard.
“Going forward, the team will focus its efforts on securing Automated Nomination as the new standard, with sustainability a key driver behind this and all of our digitalisation initiatives.”
A refreshed cargo strategy will look at tackling challenges including capacity shortage, landside congestion, sustainability, security, enforcement of smart Customs policies, and digitalisation.
Information platform Cargonaut’s Port Community System will be modernised under the Schiphol flag.
Airport stakeholders and partners will continue to develop the local rule 2, which states that slots that are given back or re-delivered will be prioritised for cargo flights, and Schiphol intends for work to be finalised this year.
Van Hemert says: “Schiphol looks forward to maintaining the momentum started in 2021 this year, accelerating efforts with all our innovative, digital, and sustainable initiatives that will lead to a safer, more reliable and more efficient cargo flow at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.”