Robust German economy keeps Frankfurt cargo volumes climbing

The German government increased its 2017 economic growth forecast this week to 2 percent for this year, up from its more conservative 1.5 percent estimate in April as the country’s economy steams ahead. At Frankfurt Airport (FRA), a 4.1 percent, year-over-year, growth in monthly cargo volumes for September support that outlook, as strong demand for airfreight indicates heightened supply chain activity across the global economy.

With its proximity to Germany’s industrial output, FRA has been riding a wave of exports. On Monday, the German government said that industrial output increased by almost 3 percent in August, y-o-y – its biggest increase in six years. The country’s exports also were up by 3.1 percent for the month.

FRA credited “ongoing strong growth of the global economy” for its robust cargo throughput (airfreight plus airmail), which rose for the tenth consecutive month, increasing by 4.1 percent to 187,708 metric tons in September 2017.

Aircraft movements increased by 3.6 percent, y-o-y, to 43,479 takeoffs and landings in September 2017, while accumulated maximum takeoff weights (MTOWs) climbed 1.8 percent to just under 2.7 million tonnes – with both indicators posting new September records.

Year-to-date, cargo volumes at FRA are up 5.1 percent, compared to the same time period in 2016, to 1.6 million tonnes.