Frankfurt’s loss is apparently Munich’s gain. In a decision based mostly on geographical need, Chinese all-cargo carrier Yangtze River Express Airlines said it will switch its German operations from Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) to Munich International (MUC).
Yangtze had been operating daily 747-400 freighter service to HHN, shipping an average of 50,000 tonnes of cargo per year through the airport – a figure representing about 9 percent of HHN’s total handle.
According to Yangtze, the reason for the pullout is an increase in demand for freight loads coming from southern Germany and northern Italy, making a switch to Munich a more logical choice, with shorter road-feeder service times. “The decision does not reflect the excellent business relation enjoyed with HHN as well as the full satisfaction with the services provided,” said Sun Haidong, general manager, sales and marketing, for Yangtze River Express.
“We regret the withdrawal,” said Markus Bunk, business manager of Frankfurt-Hahn Airport in an official statement. “The freight business is under strong competitive pressure. Each airline checks exactly how to optimize their business.” HHN will now focus its attention on seeking new customers that are looking for freight service with quick access to the heart of Europe.
The move to Munich follows Yangtze’s decision, made earlier this month, to add Brussels Airport (BRU) as a new destination for three-times-a-week service to Belgium, beginning on March 29. Brussels, which is about 300 kilometers from Frankfurt, would be too close to Hahn to make business sense, the carrier said.
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