ACE 2024 Central Europe brought together a group of industry experts, stakeholders and key players to discuss developments, challenges and opportunities in the logistics sector. With a strong focus on expanding e-commerce capabilities, overcoming geopolitical complexities, and embracing digitalisation, the event reinforced Budapest Airport’s commitment to becoming a focal point for trade.
François Berisseau, CEO of Budapest Airport, began the conference with an opening speech that affirmed the airport’s commitment to strengthening its role in the field of air cargo, emphasizing Budapest’s unique position and the volume of air cargo that has tripled at the airport over the past decade.
“We are proud to say that Budapest Airport is not just a local success story but a regional powerhouse in air cargo. Our goal is to make Budapest one of the most important air cargo hubs in Central and Eastern Europe,” stressed Beresu.
Economic outlook
Marcel Nemeth, Senior Director at KPMG, provided a broad economic overview with a focus on how modest but stable GDP growth in the region will impact air freight demand. With a projected growth rate of 2.4%, Central Europe offers a promising landscape for air freight development, largely driven by rising household consumption and e-commerce.
“The Central European region, although relatively small compared to Western Europe, is experiencing growth in terms of logistics and e-commerce, making it an emerging market for air freight,” Nemeth explained.
Geopolitical challenges
Leading a panel discussion on current facts, trends, and developments in the air cargo industry, attendees explored the geopolitical complexities impacting the air cargo industry, such as fuel price fluctuations, political conflicts, and trade barriers, which continue to impact cargo operations. Polmans stressed the need for the industry to remain flexible and embrace uncertainty as the new normal.
Stephen Polmans, President of TIACA, commented: “Geopolitical uncertainty is part of the daily reality of our industry. While crises such as the blockage of the Suez Canal or the recent tensions in the Red Sea are unfortunate, they can also create unexpected demand for air freight.
E-commerce boom
E-commerce was a major topic, with several sessions devoted to discussing the rapid growth of this sector and its impact on air freight logistics. Budapest Airport aims to become a major e-commerce gateway, with nearly 40 percent of total cargo volume now associated with e-commerce shipments. Atilla Korkmazoglu, from Celebi Airlines, emphasized the strategic importance of the location in connecting Asia and Europe, providing an efficient route: “The Budapest location is an undeniable asset. We are increasingly seeing e-commerce shipments passing through here on their way to Western Europe.” And outside.
Voices from the industry
In a session focused on customer perspectives, representatives from Lenovo, Samsung SDI and Bosch shared their perspectives on the evolving requirements in air freight logistics. Panelists stressed the need for flexibility and reliability as they deal with volatile demand in sectors such as high-tech batteries and electric vehicles.
“The electric vehicle sector relies heavily on strong logistics networks, especially air freight, for rapid delivery of components. We see this as a long-term growth area, but it also brings logistical challenges,” said Eva Girindelli of Samsung SDI.
“As e-commerce and EV logistics grow, we must also address the environmental impact of our operations,” added Lenovo’s Martin Polakovich. “Our customers are increasingly focused on sustainability, and as an industry, we must meet this demand by finding greener solutions.”
Budapest Commitment
Budapest Airport Cargo Director Josef Kosuth explained the airport’s overall cargo development strategy, which focuses on infrastructure expansion, community engagement and digital transformation. Budapest Airport, which handles more than 273,000 tons of cargo annually, has positioned itself as a leading hub in the region by investing in facilities such as the Cargo City Expansion – Phase 2.
“Budapest Airport has become a gateway into our region. We are embracing e-commerce and expanding our infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand,” he explained. The airport’s plans include new facilities, improved handling procedures, and digital services to enhance operational efficiency.
“We are implementing real-time tracking systems, and our community system will help integrate data across the supply chain,” Kosuth continued.
As the conference draws to a close, it has become clear that Budapest Airport is well placed to lead air cargo growth in Central and Eastern Europe. Through strategic investments and a focus on e-commerce, digitalization and community building, Budapest is poised to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Budapest Airport does more than just track air cargo trends; “We are preparing them,” Beriso concluded.
