TNT plans eastern German mini-hub in Erfurt
TNT Express has started construction work on a new facility at Erfurt airport that will act as a “mini-hub” for eastern Germany by combining road and air-based operations for the region. The terminal is due to go into service in January 2007.
The foundation stone for the new building was laid this week at a ceremony attended by TNT managers, the transport minister for Thuringia, Andreas Trautvetter, and airport officials. Combining the local branch office, a TNT Express road hub and an air hub, the facility covers more than 3,000 sqm. Erfurt airport has invested some €6 million in the new building, which has direct runway access.
TNT plans to consolidate shipments from across eastern Germany in Erfurt for onward transport by road or air. The express company has already operated an air hub at the airport since 2001, while the city branch office and road terminal will transfer to the airport at the end of December 2006. TNT has nightly freighter flights between Erfurt and its European air hub at Liege.
Erfurt and the state of Thuringia – which lies in the region between Leipzig and Frankfurt – are becoming increasingly important for the TNT network due to the enlargement of the EU into Central and Eastern Europe. “With the new building, we can strengthen our network and offer our customers an even better service,” commented Mark Bradley, head of Operations & Regions for TNT Express Germany. Branch manager Cornelia Stöckmann said that TNT could in future offer later pick-up times in the region since sorting would be integrated at one location.
