AirBridgeCargo (ABC) Airlines has added a new cargo destination for its European customers with the launch of bi-weekly frequencies to Budapest as it looks to tap into the growing volumes between Europe and Asia.
The new route will be serviced utlising Boeing 747 freighters, and adds to the emerging network of destinations ABC currently offers, totaling them to 11. It now operates more than 60 weekly services from Europe.
Both Tuesday and Saturday flights will guarantee up to 139 tons of available capacity, covering the entire cargo catchment area of Budapest, as well as Central and Eastern Europe, and the transportation of all types of cargo.
Budapest Airport and ABC held a launch event to make the Boeing 747F touchdown attended by representatives from the Hungarian government, the local freight forwarding community, and the media.
ABC general director, Sergey Lazarev said: “Launching of scheduled operations in Budapest is another example of our commitment to customers with the intention to realign our network in line with market expectations, reviewing existing service portfolios.
“Budapest has been expanding at a fast clip, upgrading its facilities, infrastructure, and solutions for freighter carriers and following a cargo-friendly strategy. Its advantageous central location in Europe makes Budapest Airport a perfect location for carriers operating between Asia and Europe.
“On top of this, we foresee an upsurge of e-commerce traffic with swelling demand for internet purchases among European consumers.”
At the flight launch ceremony Levente Magyar, deputy foreign minister of Hungary emphasised the role Budapest Airport plays in further developing the aviation connectivity of the country.
He also pointed out that logistics and transport are traditionally successful areas of the Hungarian economy also due the country’s ideal geographical location.
Budapest Airport chief executive officer, Jost Lammers said: “Through ABC’s network of more than 30 destinations Hungarian companies producing electronic, automotive, pharmaceutical and other high quality products could reach out to their customers around the world through Moscow.
“From next year on our cargo partners in Budapest can operate from our brand new Cargo City which will provide 20,000 square meters of warehouse and office space, including for AirBridgeCargo staff.”
