Kuehne+Nagel lands first charter cargo flight at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport [PHOTOS/VIDEO]
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One of the world’s largest global logistics companies welcomed its first charter cargo flight into the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) from Stuttgart, Germany on Sunday afternoon.
Welcome to Birmingham
Kuehne+Nagel and BHM held an official ceremony on the airport apron commemorating the inaugural flight. The Boeing 747-8F “Inspire” aircraft was met with water cannons and applause.
Expanding Air Cargo in The Magic City
As reported by Bham Now in February 2023, Kuehne+Nagel and Birmingham Airport Authority have teamed up to expand air cargo business in the Southeastern Corridor of the U.S.
“Our vision is to make Birmingham into a long-term gateway to and from the Southeastern Corridor of the U.S. and we’re pleased to be able to provide customers with alternative options that support their supply chain needs,” said Greg Martin, Senior Vice President, Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel.
Last year, the Birmingham Airport Authority completed design work on a new $25 million Air Cargo facility. In May, BHM will break ground on the new facility. Initially, Kuehne+Nagel will operate from Kaiser Aircraft Industries’ hangar on the airfield, then move into the new Air Cargo facility at BHM upon completion. Construction is anticipated to take about 10 months.
Going Global
“This is not just the first fight for this partnership,” Darlene Wilson, Chair of the Birmingham Airport Authority told the dignitaries and press who had gathered for the event. “By creating new ways to apply global business to our community, we are solidifying the role this airport plays in the economic strength of this region, the state of Alabama and the entire Southeast.”
According to Juergen Gentzke, Kuehne+Nagel’s Southeast Regional Vice President, the company manages the logistics of over 400,000 customers. They have nearly 1300 locations worldwide in over 120 countries.
Starting this week, Kuehne+Nagel will conduct two weekly flights with international cargo coming from Stuttgart, Germany to Birmingham, Alabama.
