The Upper Silesian Aviation Group (GTL) released figures showing that the Katowice International Airport (KTW) witnessed 65% growth of air freight year-on-year in the first four months of 2014. The airport is a leader amongst regional airports in Poland in terms of cargo handling.
Last year, 10 873 tons of freight were handled at KTW, which is 3,1% more than in 2012. Additionally, 5 429 tons of cargo were handled at the airport from January to the end of April this year. GTL expects the volume will be increased to approximately 17 thousand tons by the end of 2014. If fulfilled, it would be the strongest year for cargo at the airport in history.
The increase of airfreight volumes was mostly connected with the development of airport infrastructure and expansion of cargo transport companies offering regular flights: DHL Express, TNT, UPS and FedEx. Also, the construction of a 3,2 kilometers-long new runway and a new apron covering 35 000 sq. meters – both to be delivered in June 2015 – will enable the airport to handle long-distance and wide-bodied cargo aircrafts.
In May, GTL issued tender proceedings for the construction of a new cargo terminal of 12 000 sq. meters including 2 000 sq. meters of office spaces. The building, designed by „PS Budoprojekt”, can be extended in the future. Internal road network and a parking space for 29 heavy lorries (up to 40 tons), 38 delivery trucks (up to 3,5 tons) and 109 cars will also be created. The undertaking is scheduled for the delivery in the second quarter of 2016.