The logistics heavyweight has signed a lease agreement with airport operator, Fraport AG, for the use of a new air and ocean freight terminal. The facility covers almost 7,600 m² and offers freight handling areas alongside 1,100 m² of office space. It will be built and financed on behalf of the airport, and closes a gap in Frankfurt Airport (FRA)’s Cargo City South. Its completion is scheduled for 2028.
Kuehne+Nagel is a household name at Fraport. The company has been present at the airport for more than 20 years, and leasing the new warehouse once it is operational will further cement its major role and strengthen its business at the airport’s Cargo City South.
On the occasion of the announcement of the project, Julia Kranenberg, Executive Board Member and Chief Retail and Real Estate Officer (CRO) at Fraport AG, stated: “We are delighted that Kuehne+Nagel has decided to expand their presence here at Frankfurt Airport. The new warehouse will be a modern, efficient air cargo facility, offering this leading logistics company exceptional opportunities for growth and expansion at Europe’s foremost cargo hub.”
Costs remain undisclosed
However, how much the airport must shoulder to finance the construction of the building remains unclear. Neither has Manager Kranenberg commented on this, nor is there any mention of it in her company’s press release. Fraport will oversee the construction of the new warehouse once the foundation stone has been laid. The facility will remain part of its building inventory.
Martin Schäfer, SVP Air Logistics Germany at Kuehne+Nagel, stated: “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. This enables us to better serve customers in fast-growing sectors like healthcare, semiconductors, high tech, and cloud infrastructure.”
Adhering to stringent climate criteria
The construction site for the new warehouse is part of FRA’s Air Cargo Area 2 and measures 16,900 m². It is conveniently situated right next to airport access gate, Tor 31. The freight terminal will feature 7,600 m² of warehouse space, plus an additional 1,100 m² of offices and social areas. Equipped with 16 gates and truck docks, the facility will provide ample space for driving and maneuvering. Moreover, it has been conceptualized to adhere to stringent environmental criteria. On the roof, a large PV system will be constructed that will feed green electricity into the airport’s grid. Fraport also aims to have the building certified according to the Gold Award from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).
Pierre Dominique Pruemm, Executive Board Member Aviation + Infrastructure at Fraport, had already outlined the plans to CargoForwarder Global in NOV24, but without mentioning Kuehne+Nagel. In a statement, the executive spoke of a 53,000 m² area in the southern part of Cargo City South, which can still be developed.
Ambitious Cargo Masterplan
Accordingly, the new facility is a key component of Fraport’s strategy to actively contribute to the growth of the air cargo market. As part of this vision, Fraport has developed a CargoHub masterplan, aimed at further strengthening FRA as a leading European cargo hub over the coming years. The masterplan comprises three key initiatives: space optimization, space development, and digitalization as well as process innovation. Through these measures, Fraport is working to sustainably develop the FRA cargo hub to meet growing demand. This will ensure that partners and customers in Frankfurt continue to benefit from optimal ground infrastructure, including high air and road connectivity and efficient processes.
