FRA/rap-th> The successful development of Frankfurt Airport's (FRA) CargoCity South (CCS) during the last decade has been just as significant for the airfreight sector as the inauguration of Terminal 2 in 1990s for the passenger sector: Both projects have noticeably enhanced FRA's value by providing urgently needed additional capacities and by opening up entirely new perspectives. 

CargoCity South, a special commercial park for logistics companies at the southern side of FRA, was completed far faster than initially expected. Early on, the global logistics industry recognized the enormous competitive advantages of this strategic location in the heart of Western Europe, which features excellent transportation links and direct access to the airport apron.

In the summer of 1996, Wiesbaden-based Cargo Immobilien GmbH –a CCS pioneer –was the first company to build and subsequently rent a building with handling and office space at the southern side of FRA. Other larger companies soon followed.

An agreement on the relocation of the U.S. Air Force from Rhine-Main Air Base to military air bases in the neighboring state of Rhineland-Palatinate cleared the way for CargoCity South's development – a project significantly co-financed by Fraport AG. An agreement on the partial return of Rhein-Main Air Base land to Fraport AG was reached in 1993. The first foundation stone at the returned areas was already laid in 1995. Only two years later, Fraport opened its huge new airfreight terminal at CargoCity South.

Prof. Manfred Schölch, Fraport AG's executive board vice chairman responsible for the concept and development of CargoCity South, emphasized the dynamism characterizing investments of logistics service providers at CargoCity South. This demonstrates the extremely high demand, Schölch said. "Without CCS, Frankfurt Airport's strong position in the international airfreight market –particularly for traffic to and from Asia –would be inconceivable today." Fraport has repeatedly received international awards in recognition of the airfreight infrastructure it created at the southern side of FRA.

The latest airport employment survey indicates that 6,477 people worked at CargoCity South on December 31, 2005 (the survey reference date), and that the number of companies based at CargoCity South rose to 235. The list of renowned globally-operating logistics enterprises using customized real estate at CCS includes: Dachser, DHL Danzas, Kühne+Nagel, LUG, Nippon Express, Panalpina, Swissport, Yusen, and WFS.

CargoCity South is a synonym for expeditious goods handling: The cargo community benefits from the proximity of location. This results in short distances and favorable terms for acceptance and delivery.

Only a small portion of the available land at CargoCity South has not yet been leased under a ground rent contract. As part of the planned expansion of FRA, Fraport AG plans to develop further sites. There are plenty of prospective investors waiting.

Companies already using this central and optimally networked cargo hub – which quickly developed into a brand – are very satisfied overall. This has been revealed by Fraport AG's regular surveys of companies based at CargoCity South.

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For More Information, Please Contact:
Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide
Robert A. Payne, B.A.A. – Manager International Press
Press Office (Dept. UKM-PS), Corporate Communications (UKM)
60547 Frankfurt am Main, Federal Republic of Germany
Tel.: +49 69.690.78547; Fax: +49.69.690.60548;
E-mail: r.payne@fraport.de