Brussels Airport is slowly but steadily recovering from the March 22 attacks. Within days, cargo operations were back to normal and all activities at BRUcargo continued at all times. In the meantime also passenger schedules are back to pre-attack times.

It is good to see that all our customers kept their confidence in Brussels as a cargo hub and that we could even welcome some new customers in the meantime. Early April, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo resumed operations and in June we could also welcome Etihad Cargo amongst our growing number of full cargo airlines.
All planned investments will continue, in real estate or projects such as our cloud community platform or the strengthening of Brussels as the leading pharma gateway in the world

Mid April saw the official birth of Air Cargo Belgium, the new cargo organisation at BRUcargo bringing together all stakeholders and existing associations. After several years of good co-operation, everybody felt it was time to take the next and final step by creating this new organisation. Several companies have since already joined and it is good to notice that in such a short time frame already over 40 companies joined.

With some support from the Flemish Government, we will be able to make a flying start to the benefit of all BRUcargo stakeholders. 11 working groups have been created already, covering all aspects of the logistical air cargo chain. Interested to learn more?  Block September 8 in your agenda, as we will organise an official kick of event giving you an update of who we are and what we will do.

Last year, Brussels Airport signed a partnership agreement with the Thomas More High School to create a bachelor Logistics in Air Cargo. With enormous support of BAFI (forwarders association) and CTC (cargo training center) a curriculum was developed, tours were organised, trainee ships created, etc. This cooperation will only gain momentum now that we can centralise all activities in a dedicated working group under the umbrella of Air Cargo Belgium.

Brussels Airport and Air Cargo Belgium were proud sponsors of the Graduation Event end of June. We wish all the students some nice holidays and a safe trip to the world of working people. In the air cargo industry, they for sure can find some challenging and interesting opportunities, so we look forward to welcome many of them at BRUcargo.

Who? The BAFI Young Forwarders are a team of some 15 people, employed by mainly forwarders located on or around the BRUcargo site.

What? We are actively engaged with different topics concerning air freight forwarding, in support of the forwarding community. We also organize and participate in various activities and events, such as our recurring ‘meet and share’s’, the YFC cargo cup football tournament, a quiz, presence on job and school fairs and so on.

Why? One objective is to promoting our wonderful air freight industry externally. A second goal is encouraging the sense of community within the BRUcargo zone and creating a platform for contact and networking. Thirdly, we wish to promote and protect the industry interests and improve the quality of services.

You? Keep an eye out for our next activity where your presence is most welcome or reach out to us via youngforwarders@bafi.be .

Sara Van Gelder graduated in 2013 from the K.U Leuven as a Commercial Engineer with a Master‘s in Logistics and International Business. She started her professional career in the Contract Logistic department of Kuehne+Nagel as Project Coordinator. Later, via her role as Project Manager of Sky Fresh, she was introduced to the aviation industry, working on traceability and digitization of time and temperature sensitive goods. Since May 2016 she joined the Cargo team of Brussels Airport Company. From now on she will be in charge of the different digitization projects and especially the BRUcloud within the Cargo department.

Christopher Bové graduated in 2004 from KH Mechelen College with a bachelor in Marketing Communications. He started his professional career as an event coordinator. Later on, he switched to the aviation industry where he worked for Airport Inspection at Brussels Airport. After 6 years he combined his 2 passions aviation and marketing into his new job as Marketing Officer at Brussels Airport where he was responsible for trade marketing activities and airline related events. As from August 1st Christopher will reinforce the BRUcargo team. He’ll be responsible for organising cargo events, promote BRUcargo at trade fairs and offering marketing support to the cargo team.

On June 15th, during a gala dinner organised by ACW in Shanghai, Brussels Airport received the Cargo Award for the Best Airport in the World. This is the 3rd time in a row we win this award and everyone at Brussels Airport and BRUcargo can be proud of this achievement. 

Since a few years, the BRUcargo community continuously starts new initiatives, resulting in innovation, new facilities, new routes and new opportunities.  

We are very pleased to see that the global air cargo community recognises our efforts and awards us again for taking the lead in our industry. Sharing this moment with a significant delegation from our local cargo community made it extra special.

May we thank all partners and stakeholders for supporting us. May we also thank all people working hard every day in so many different companies. All of you made this possible. Together, we are BRUcargo !! Together, we will realise our ambitions and remain the most efficient and best air cargo gateway in the world.

From the heart of Europe: THANK YOU!!