As online shopping grows and the demand for efficient e-commerce logistics solutions increases, Brussels Airport vows to innovate and invest in infrastructure, digitalisation, and partnerships to stay ahead.
Located in the heart of Europe and operating as its logistics hub, Brussels Airport handled 700,846 tonnes of cargo in the calendar year 2023. The airport is connected to the world with 64 airlines operating to 185 direct destinations.
The airport is also an economic hub for Belgium which creates over 85,000 jobs and contributes €8.8 billion to the Belgian economy. 7,062 of direct employees (27 percent) are related to cargo activities, which also account for 23 percent of direct added value (€539 million).
Brussels Airport has also built its reputation as the European pharma gateway, with its location, providing easy access to major European markets, and proximity to manufacturing facilities of leading global pharmaceutical companies.
“Many years of investments and expertise in, among others, the handling of pharmaceuticals and life sciences have strengthened the position of Brussels Airport as the preferred European pharma gateway,” says Dimitri Bettoni, Head of Cargo – Product & Network Development, Brussels Airport Company.
“Brussels Airport positions itself as a vital link in the cargo chain between Asia and Europe, supporting the growing trade and e-commerce demands of both markets.”
Dimitri Bettoni, Brussels Airport Company
However, Brussels Airport is not just about pharmaceuticals & life sciences, although it represents 17 percent of the airport’s export volumes, significantly higher than the European average.
As Bettoni said, “We also specialise in the handling of perishable goods, live animals, and e-commerce.”
For instance, the airport witnessed increased imports from Asia throughout 2024, particularly in January and February 2024 when the Year-on-Year (YoY) growth was 112 and 101 percent respectively, in line with the global trend of e-commerce growth.
As e-commerce grows, Brussels Airport Company is increasingly focusing on this sector. Bettoni informs that he is aware of the competition at other European air cargo hub airports. “However,” he said, “e-commerce is a broad noun and very diverse, so there is enough cake for everyone.”
Brussels Airport has developed a strong cargo partnership, particularly with China. The airport has established various direct flights to major Chinese cities, facilitating faster and more reliable transport of e-commerce goods.
“This is made possible thanks to the strong partnership with Chinese airlines already flying to Brussels and by signing new MoUs with Chinese airports,” he said.
He added, “Through these efforts, Brussels Airport positions itself as a vital link in the cargo chain between Asia and Europe, supporting the growing trade and e-commerce demands of both markets.”
Brussels Airport is enhancing solutions to improve their cargo operations, infrastructure and transit times.
For instance, the airport is currently redeveloping its cargo zone by creating 25 percent more warehouse capacity by 2027.
“These investments will improve the throughput of cargo not only between first- and second-line warehouses but also from landside to airside and vice versa,” informed Bettoni.
He reminded that Brussels Airport is home to big e-commerce service providers like DHL, FedEx and BPost, each having their dedicated hubs in the Brucargo zone. The Brucargo zone is the dedicated cargo area of Brussels Airport, specifically designed for freight operations.
“Upon arrival, the e-commerce shipments are unloaded from the aircraft and transferred to specialised facilities or to onward flights thanks to well designed airside operations,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges in moving e-commerce goods is the increased customs scrutiny and procedures worldwide. Bettoni noted that to maintain smooth processes of e-commerce handling, close collaboration with customs authorities is fundamental.
For instance, in June 2024, Brussels Airport Company, Air Cargo Belgium and Belgian Customs signed a vision document to improve infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, embrace digitalization, and foster cooperation.
As Bettoni puts it “The vision document will strengthen the competitive position of Brucargo through intensified cooperation between the various parties. Efficient and effective customs processes necessary to positively differentiate an airport from its surrounding competitors.”
He also added, “For low-value e-commerce goods, simplified customs procedures have been implemented, reducing the time and paperwork necessary for these goods to clear customs. The introduction of the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) helps ensure compliance while speeding up clearance.”
It is crucial to foster strong community collaboration and digitalisation to ensure smooth operations. Bettoni noted that Brussels Airport is a frontrunner in applying and deploying digital tools for our cargo community partners through BRUcloud, an open data-sharing platform used by the Brucargo community members.
He took the example of the digital solution Inspection Management App, “providing a centralised and digitalised flow, which smoothens and speeds up the control of imported perishable goods and the collaboration between the operators and Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC),” he said.
Similarly, Air Cargo Belgium (ACB), a non-profit organisation represents the interests of the air cargo community at Brussels Airport.
Bettoni said, “Together with Air Cargo Belgium, we listen to the needs of all stakeholders and discuss challenges, opportunities and best practices.”
“By embracing technology and automation, the platform contributes to a more agile and customer-centric approach to cargo handling at Brussels Airport,” he added.
He also thinks that the transparency between all Brucargo community stakeholders and the strong collaboration with the customs authorities are crucial in the process of handling e-commerce.
“Thanks to our focus on digitalization and innovation, we not only pursue smoother and faster cargo operations, but we can also guarantee secure processes and keep on supporting the specific e-commerce needs,” he said.
With its strategic initiatives, Brussels Airport is not only keeping pace with the e-commerce boom but is leading the way as one of Europe’s most efficient logistics platforms.
