Kuehne+Nagel Expands Frankfurt Air Cargo Operations with New State-of-the-Art Facility to Strengthen Global Connectivity
Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics and supply chain service providers, has taken a significant step in strengthening its global air cargo network by signing a long-term lease agreement with Fraport AG for the development of a new, purpose-built air cargo facility at Frankfurt Airport. The 7,600-square-meter facility will be located in CargoCity South, one of Europe’s most important air freight logistics zones, and represents a strategic investment designed to enhance connectivity across major international trade lanes.
Developed by Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, the facility is scheduled for completion and handover by the end of 2028. Once operational, it will play a central role in supporting Kuehne+Nagel’s growth ambitions in air logistics, enabling the company to meet increasing demand from customers operating in fast-growing, high-value, and time-critical industries.
This expansion underscores Kuehne+Nagel’s long-term commitment to Frankfurt Airport as a key global air cargo gateway and highlights the airport’s enduring importance as a central hub in international supply chains.
Frankfurt Airport: A Strategic Hub in Global Air Cargo Networks
Frankfurt Airport is widely recognized as one of the most important air cargo hubs in the world, serving as a critical intersection point for global trade flows between Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. Its extensive network of passenger and freighter connections, advanced cargo infrastructure, and strong intermodal links make it a preferred gateway for logistics providers handling complex, time-sensitive shipments.
CargoCity South, where the new Kuehne+Nagel facility will be located, is a dedicated logistics zone designed to support high-throughput air cargo operations. The area provides direct airside access within the secure airport perimeter, enabling fast and efficient cargo handling between warehouses, terminals, and aircraft parking positions.
For Kuehne+Nagel, the strategic location of the new facility will allow for seamless integration into its existing Frankfurt operations, optimizing cargo flows while minimizing handling times and operational bottlenecks. The proximity to aircraft stands and key airport infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce aircraft turnaround times, which is a critical factor in maintaining reliability and schedule integrity in air freight operations.
Purpose-Built Infrastructure for Efficient and Scalable Operations
The new air cargo facility has been designed with operational efficiency, scalability, and flexibility at its core. Spanning approximately 7,600 square meters, the building will feature 16 dedicated gates and truck docks, enabling smooth coordination between landside and airside transport activities.
This layout will allow Kuehne+Nagel to manage high cargo volumes efficiently while retaining the flexibility to scale operations in response to market fluctuations or evolving customer requirements. The facility’s design supports a wide range of cargo types, from general freight to specialized shipments requiring controlled environments or enhanced security.
By consolidating advanced handling capabilities in a modern, purpose-built facility, Kuehne+Nagel aims to streamline workflows, reduce dwell times, and improve overall service reliability. The investment also positions the company to adapt quickly to future developments in air cargo, including changes in aircraft types, digitalization of logistics processes, and shifts in global trade patterns.
Strengthening Global Air Cargo Connectivity
At the core of this expansion is Kuehne+Nagel’s ambition to strengthen global air cargo connectivity across key international trade lanes. As global supply chains become increasingly complex and dynamic, logistics providers must be able to offer reliable, fast, and flexible transport solutions that connect production centers with consumption markets worldwide.
The new Frankfurt facility will serve as a critical node within Kuehne+Nagel’s global air logistics network, facilitating seamless cargo transfers between long-haul intercontinental routes and intra-European connections. This enhanced connectivity will support customers with global footprints, enabling them to move goods efficiently across borders while maintaining high service levels.
Frankfurt’s central location in Europe, combined with its extensive flight network, makes it an ideal hub for consolidating and redistributing air freight. By expanding its footprint at the airport, Kuehne+Nagel is reinforcing its ability to offer end-to-end air logistics solutions that are resilient, scalable, and aligned with the evolving needs of global commerce.
Supporting High-Growth and High-Value Industries
The expansion at Frankfurt Airport is particularly significant for customers operating in fast-growing and high-value sectors, where speed, reliability, and precision are paramount. These include industries such as healthcare, semiconductors, high technology, and cloud infrastructure, all of which rely heavily on air freight to support global supply chains.
Healthcare logistics, for example, often involves the transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and life-saving products that require strict compliance with regulatory and quality standards. The new facility’s modern infrastructure and proximity to airside operations will enable faster handling and reduced transit times, supporting the integrity of critical healthcare shipments.
Similarly, the semiconductor and high-tech sectors depend on just-in-time delivery of components and equipment, where delays can disrupt production lines and lead to significant financial losses. By enhancing its air cargo capabilities in Frankfurt, Kuehne+Nagel is positioning itself to better serve these industries with reliable, high-performance logistics solutions.
The growing demand for cloud infrastructure and digital technologies has also increased the need for rapid and secure transport of servers, data center equipment, and related components. Air freight plays a crucial role in these supply chains, and the new facility will enable Kuehne+Nagel to respond effectively to this expanding market.
Sustainability at the Core of Facility Design
Sustainability is a central pillar of Kuehne+Nagel’s corporate strategy, and the new Frankfurt air cargo facility has been designed to align closely with the company’s environmental commitments. The building has been awarded a German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) gold standard certification, reflecting its compliance with stringent environmental and energy-efficiency criteria.
The facility will incorporate a range of sustainability features aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and supporting the broader decarbonization goals of the logistics industry. These include energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the building, heat pump systems for climate control, and smart metering technologies to monitor and optimize energy consumption.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be installed to support the transition to low-emission ground transport, while a large photovoltaic system on the roof will generate renewable energy that feeds into the airport’s power grid. This on-site energy generation will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to lower overall emissions associated with cargo operations.
By investing in sustainable infrastructure, Kuehne+Nagel is not only meeting regulatory and stakeholder expectations but also enhancing the long-term resilience and efficiency of its operations. The integration of sustainability into facility design reflects a broader industry shift toward greener logistics solutions, driven by customer demand and global climate targets.
Expanding Footprint and Long-Term Commitment to Frankfurt
With the addition of the new 7,600-square-meter facility, Kuehne+Nagel will increase its total footprint in CargoCity South to more than 20,000 square meters. This substantial presence underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Frankfurt Airport as a cornerstone of its global air logistics network.
Rather than viewing the expansion as a short-term capacity increase, Kuehne+Nagel sees it as a strategic investment that will support growth over the coming decades. The company’s decision to expand in Frankfurt reflects confidence in the airport’s continued role as a leading global cargo hub and in the long-term growth prospects of air freight.
The partnership with Fraport AG also highlights the importance of collaboration between logistics providers and airport operators in developing infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of global supply chains. By working closely with Fraport, Kuehne+Nagel is ensuring that the new facility is optimized for operational efficiency, sustainability, and future scalability.
Responding to a Changing Air Cargo Landscape
The global air cargo market has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by factors such as e-commerce growth, shifting trade patterns, geopolitical uncertainty, and changing customer expectations. These dynamics have increased the importance of flexible, resilient logistics networks capable of adapting to sudden disruptions or demand surges.
Kuehne+Nagel’s expansion at Frankfurt is a direct response to this changing landscape. By investing in modern infrastructure at a key global hub, the company is strengthening its ability to manage volatility, maintain service continuity, and support customers through periods of uncertainty.
The facility’s scalable design and strategic location will allow Kuehne+Nagel to adjust capacity quickly, whether in response to peak seasonal demand, supply chain disruptions, or emerging trade opportunities. This adaptability is increasingly critical in an environment where speed and reliability are competitive differentiators.
Leadership Perspective on Strategic Importance
Commenting on the investment, Martin Schaefer, Senior Vice President Air Logistics Germany at Kuehne+Nagel, emphasized the strategic importance of Frankfurt within the company’s global network.
“Frankfurt is a key global gateway in the Kuehne+Nagel air logistics network. As supply chains become more dynamic, our new cargo facility provides the infrastructure, capacity, and connectivity needed to support our growth ambitions and keep goods moving,” Schaefer said. “This enables us to better serve customers in fast-growing sectors like healthcare, semiconductor, high tech, and cloud infrastructure.”
His remarks highlight the dual focus of the expansion: supporting Kuehne+Nagel’s own growth objectives while delivering tangible benefits to customers operating in demanding and rapidly evolving industries.
Positioning for Future Growth
Looking ahead, the new Frankfurt air cargo facility is expected to play a pivotal role in Kuehne+Nagel’s long-term air logistics strategy. As global trade continues to evolve and customer expectations rise, investments in infrastructure, technology, and sustainability will be essential to maintaining competitiveness.
By securing additional capacity at one of the world’s most important cargo airports, Kuehne+Nagel is positioning itself to capture future growth opportunities while reinforcing the reliability and resilience of its global network. The facility will not only enhance operational performance but also serve as a platform for innovation, enabling the company to implement new digital tools, automation solutions, and sustainability initiatives over time.
The expansion also sends a clear signal to customers, partners, and stakeholders that Kuehne+Nagel remains committed to investing in high-quality infrastructure that supports global trade and economic development.
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