Amazon Air is planning to close its airfreight facility at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany following a tough year for air cargo demand worldwide.
US-headquartered e-commerce giant and parent company Amazon has not yet announced the closure date, but has confirmed it will be this year.
However, Amazon said Amazon Air operations are set to continue across Europe, with continued use of Leipzig/Halle in Amazon Air's European logistics network.
“We’re always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our customers," said an Amazon spokesperson.
"After careful consideration, we have decided to close our Amazon Air operation at Leipzig-Halle Airport and affected employees will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other facilities.
"Leipzig and the entire Saxony region remains an important region for Amazon, and we will continue to invest to support around 2,000 employees who work here and deliver for customers throughout the region.”
Amazon has expanded its logistics network in Germany and Europe during the last few years, and has established more warehouse facilities closer to customers, lessening the need for flights from Leipzig/Halle.
The e-commerce and express specialist carrier launched operations at their first-ever regional air hub in Europe, in November 2020.
The 20,000 sq m cargo facility at Leipzig/Halle was opened to create an additional connection within Amazon’s fulfilment network in Europe.
At the time of the hub's launch, Amazon begun air cargo operations in Europe with the lease of two branded Boeing 737-800 aircraft from GECAS to be operated by ASL Airlines on behalf of Amazon Air in Europe.
However, Amazon Air isn't immune to market challenges. In July this year, it confirmed it was reducing the number of flights it carries out in Europe, after rapidly ramping up operations over the last few years.
https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/amazon-air-slows-expansion-as-e-commerce-demand-flattens/
