The air transport industry in Germany is unanimous: Air freight is suffering from the fact that the general conditions have further deteriorated. The new federal government and states need to take action immediately in order to secure the competitiveness of Germany as an air freight location.
The international airline association Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) actively co-worked on the official cargo paper ‘Strong Air Freight for a Strong German Economy‘ which was recently presented by the German Aviation Association (BDL) and supports the five key demands contained therein.
Moreover, as a member of the advisory board of transport logistic of Messe München, where air cargo Europe will take place from June 2, 2025, BARIG will focus on these location topics there
as well.
“The measures we have presented will lead to comprehensive cost reductions at the air freight location Germany. A far-reaching de-bureaucratization of processes is essential for Germany to regain a sustainable leading position in the freight and logistics business,” emphasizes Michael Hoppe, BARIG Chairman and Executive Director.
The BARIG members include not only German airlines but also over 30 renowned international cargo carriers that fly daily to Germany. “For international airlines, Germany has recently become considerably less attractive as a freight location. Other locations are benefiting from this because they generally have lower costs, greater national support for the aviation industry, and many of the processes mentioned in the paper’s five key demands are often implemented much more economically,” Hoppe continues.
THE FIVE KEY DEMANDS
Reduction of state location costs: This involves particularly the abolition of the national PtL quota, a significant reduction in the immense costs for aviation security, infrastructure, air traffic control, and sustainable fuels as well as a competition-neutral revision of the EU climate protection package “Fit for 55.”
Uniform implementation of EU standards for aviation security: In Germany, these standards must be applied in a practical manner similar to that in other EU countries and to ensure the same high level of security with less effort.
Operating hours at air cargo hubs in line with demand: The operating hours at German airports must be secured in the long term and must not be further restricted.
Aligned implementation of EU customs standards: When it comes to customs processes, the clearance of goods within EU standards can be significantly simplified and accelerated through digitalization and automation.
Simplified collection of import VAT: Compared to many other countries, there is still considerable potential here in Germany. To this end, the clearing model, which is already being used successfully in many places, must be introduced in Germany, as it significantly reduces import costs as well as the administrative burden.
