Liege Airport Elevates Logistics with Innovations in Freight, Technology, and Eco-Friendly Practices

Liege airport is on a remarkable growth path, consistently managing over a million tonnes of cargo annually for the last five years. In 2024, it processed 1.17 million tonnes, with projections indicating a further 12% increase in 2025. The airport is not just about numbers; it has grand ambitions for digital innovation, sustainability efforts, and transforming into a multimodal cargo hub right in the heart of Europe.

CHECK OUT: A new era in warehousing

Unlike many airports that prioritize passenger experience above all else, Liege Airport made a strategic choice back in the mid-90s to focus primarily on cargo operations. This decision capitalized on its unique advantages—most notably its round-the-clock operational hours. This flexibility is why charter operators are drawn to this Belgian gem.

A notable portion of flights—over 60%—are scheduled services; however, nearly 40% are charters—the highest ratio among European airports! Coupled with rapid turnaround times and efficient customs processes, its no wonder that more than 50 cargo airlines have established long-term partnerships with LGG.

“With our extensive experience in the cargo sector as an airport,we believe there’s nothing we can’t transport,” says Frederic Brun,Head of Commercial Cargo & Logistics at Liege Airport.

“Our commitment to prioritizing cargo allows us to identify trends quickly and refine our operations accordingly,” he adds. “We’ve optimized conditions for transporting perishables and live animals alike—daily shipments include around 730 tonnes of flowers! Our Horse Inn also accommodates about 12,000 horses each year. Plus, we’ve been ahead of the curve when it comes to e-commerce logistics; currently handling over one billion parcels annually while continuously enhancing our processes.”

the pandemic served as an unexpected teacher for LGG—it recorded its highest tonnage ever at 1.41 million tonnes during this period despite operating with fewer resources than usual. Since then, they’ve ramped up their digital change efforts substantially by streamlining structures for quicker ULD handling and setting enterprising goals: aiming to leap from being Europe’s fifth-largest cargo airport into the top three by 2030.

“In five years’ time,” states Torsten Wefers, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Liege Airport confidently,” only one other airport might rival or exceed LGG’s exceptional focus on quality.” He continues enthusiastically about their Digital Twin initiative which aims for complete transparency regarding data and shipments—a project already underway through initiatives like LGG CONNECT—a digital community—and real-time tracking systems that enhance operational efficiency using AI and Big Data technologies.

“Once fully implemented,” he explains further,” our Digital Twin will help us foresee potential operational challenges so we can proactively address them before they escalate.”

Sustainability Efforts

Sustainability has been part of Liege’s mission long before it became trendy; they aim for zero carbon emissions by 2030! Impressively enough? They already produce all necessary electricity onsite! Their fuel farm supports lasting aviation fuel (SAF) usage while ground handlers transition diesel fleets towards electric vehicles (EVs).

CATCH UP: Two circus lions embark on their journey to Africa!

“We’ve earmarked over €60 million towards immediate green projects while planning six times more investment into long-term eco-amiable strategies—from reducing noise pollution levels down to preserving local biodiversity around our facilities,” shares Frederic Brun excitedly.” We’re also leveraging our outstanding multimodal infrastructure effectively.” Stay tuned as they work toward elevating environmental certifications aligned with ACI World standards—and fingers crossed—they hope to snag the coveted Airport of the Year award during Air cargo Week next week in Munich!