Cargo tonnage through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has continued its positive trend for the third quarter of 2014, up 6.7 per cent on the same period of 2013, and 8.1 per cent for the year to date. Every month of 2014 to date has exceeded 2013 figures.

The third quarter was the strongest in 2014 so far, and also the best for four years – at a total of 409,382 tonnes. It brought the total of cargo handled through Schiphol to 1,211,082 for the year to date.

July showed the second best growth in 2014, up 9.7 per cent on 2013 at 136,550 tonnes. August and September saw slower growth, at 6.2 per cent and 4.2 per cent respectively.

Regional rankings in the third quarter remained unchanged, although the underlying share of business shifted slightly. Asia held its traditional top spot at 40.5 per cent of all traffic, against a year-to-date share of 38.9 per cent. North America retained second place with 18.9 per cent (18.3 per cent for the year to date). The Middle East took third place with 11.9 per cent share (12.8 per cent for the year to date). Latin America represented 9.6 per cent in quarter 3 (9.9 per cent for the year to date). Europe meanwhile accounted for 9.4 per cent (9.5 per cent for the year as a whole).

Imports in the third quarter accounted for 51 per cent of all traffic, and exports 49 per cent – unchanged from the picture for the year as a whole.

Freighter movements in Q3 totalled 4,158, up 7.1 per cent on the same quarter last year. The year-to-date total of 12,264 was also up 7.1 per cent on 2013.

Says Schiphol Cargo senior VP Enno Osinga: “Process optimisation remains top of our agenda, and e-Link shipments through Schiphol now account for 40 per cent of the total.

“Meanwhile, new initiatives and investments such as our Joint Inspection Centre for Customs (opening in 2016) will continue to drive streamlined processes, and enhance customer experience at Schiphol. This should attract more flights, operators and cargo.”