As worldwide air cargo demand rose in 2024, Schiphol Cargo has seen its volumes grow and strengthened its position in the air logistics sector
At Schiphol Cargo – total air cargo tonnage reached 1.5 million tonnes in 2024, marking an 8.2 percent increase on 2023. Electronics, machinery and spare parts, perishables, clothing, e-commerce goods, and pharmaceuticals are some of the largest categories by freight volume.
Air cargo growth was driven by a surge in e-commerce and various global geo-political developments and ocean shipping restrictions.
The Full Freighter to Belly ratio stood at 57 percent to 43 percent, reflecting a shift towards a higher proportion of belly freight (up from 39 percent in 2023) – this trend is predicted to continue in the coming years.
With a small decrease in full freighter flights, higher volumes carried by the aircraft led to a 1 percent average year-on-year increase in full freighter tonnage.
Belly freight saw a notable 19.8 percent increase, driven by a higher number of flights carrying belly cargo, as passenger flights continued their post-COVID recovery.
All regions experienced strong growth, except for Latin America, which saw a decline, partly due to the reallocation of routes to and from Asia driven by e-commerce demand.
Growth in both Inbound and Outbound Tonnage:
- Inbound tonnage grew by 7.8 percent, fueled by strong demand from regions including the Middle East (India), Far East (China, Japan, Korea), Africa (Kenya, South Africa), and the US.
- Outbound tonnage saw an 8.8 percent increase, primarily driven by demand from the US. Significant growth also stemmed from The Middle East, Africa and Europe.
