The Cargo Community Frankfurt (ACCF) conference, taking place September 2–3, offers a kaleidoscope of interesting topics. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities for networking, which plays a crucial role at the event alongside presentations and discussions on industrial topics. In addition, the exhibition area offers participants a firsthand impression of exciting technical innovations. Felix Toepsch (FT) explained to us why the industry shouldn’t miss the show. He heads the Air Cargo Community and is responsible for the event.
CFG: This year’s ACCF focuses on international cooperation in the air cargo industry. One key topic will certainly be the new partnership between Fraport Cargo, Bangalore Cargo, and several other Indian airports. What assessment and update will be presented to the attendees?
FT: For the 11th year, the Air Cargo Conference is carefully curated with great effort and follows selected thematic blocks. This year, on the first day of the conference, we are focusing on “NEW HORIZONS – NEW INDIAN-EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIPS.” In this segment, we will bring together Indian and European perspectives on our industry. Our aim is not only to highlight the partnership between Bangalore and Frankfurt, but to take a holistic view of the Indian market, which is one of our central focus areas for the coming years.
During a dedicated panel, we will exchange expectations regarding trends, challenges, and market dynamics for the years ahead. Furthermore, we will discuss opportunities for joint growth and collaboration. Attendees can look forward to an in-depth update on our new partnerships and an assessment of how these initiatives will shape the future of air cargo between India and Europe.
CFG: The role of “Artificial Intelligence” in air cargo is not mentioned in the preliminary program. Why?
FT: In our thematic block “Reality Check: Future Technologies for Air Cargo,” we will take an in-depth look at several emerging technologies expected to shape the future of the air cargo industry. Artificial intelligence will be among the key topics, with this year’s focus placed specifically on its sustainability, anticipated technological breakthroughs, and a scientific assessment of its overall added value.
Alongside AI, we will also explore other innovative solutions that could become highly relevant to the air cargo sector. Moreover, some of these technologies will not only be discussed but can also be experienced firsthand in our exhibition area, offering attendees the opportunity to witness these advancements in action.
CFG: Speaking of security in air cargo: at the ACCF case studies will be presented and discussed. Do air cargo security systems need to be strengthened, especially following several attacks on DHL cargo planes and the latest drone assault at Leipzig Airport? In other words, in addition to traditional scanning and hand searching of packages, will a new perspective be discussed: defense against drone attacks?
FT: One of this year’s key topics will be “High Security in Cargo.” Our primary focus will be on the secure and confidential transport of highly valuable and sensitive shipments, such as diplomatic consignments. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into how these types of cargo are handled to ensure maximum security and discretion.
In addition, visitors can look forward to practical, real-world examples of how transport security can be enhanced, for instance in the shipment of consumer electronics. In this context, DHL and Fraport will present a joint case study, offering valuable perspectives from their operational experience.
And as for drone attacks, such as the one that recently occurred in Leipzig: Government agencies are responsible for consistently countering this threat. As an airport operator, we do our utmost to contribute to this effort, but we are not in a leading position.
CFG: This is already the eleventh ACCF. For the first time, the meeting is taking place at the Frankfurt Exhibition Center. Last year, the event was held at Eintracht Frankfurt’s soccer stadium; before that, it was a conference room at Gateway Gardens near the airport. It would be interesting to know if the ACCF will make the Exhibition Center its home, or do we meet at another location next year?
FT: With the remarkable growth and increasing popularity of our event in recent years, expectations for our venue have risen as well. Last year, we were delighted to welcome more than 450 guests, reflecting not only the growing scale but also the increasing international reach of the conference. Our anniversary celebration at Frankfurt’s soccer stadium was truly special and set a high standard for the future.
This year, we are excited to move to the Conference Center at Messe Frankfurt, a state-of-the-art venue that provides the ideal environment for the continued growth and evolution of our event. The new location offers plenty of space for our expanding program and is perfectly suited to potentially serve as the long-term home of the Air Cargo Conference.
The Conference Center brings together all the elements that make for a successful event: a dynamic conference atmosphere, dedicated exhibition areas, versatile networking spaces, and modern meeting rooms. Its prime location in the heart of Frankfurt and excellent accessibility, especially for our international guests, ensure a first-class experience for everyone attending.
CFG: Felix, thank you for the insights.
