DB Schenker to develop new airfreight facility at Oslo Airport as imports continue to grow

DB Schenker will develop a new airfreight facility at Oslo Airport as imports into Norway continue to grow.

The forwarder signed a deal with airport operator Avinor to develop the 4,000 sq m facility last week.

Avinor freight manager Martin Langaas said the new building comes as imports into the country via air have been growing, while export volumes continue to be strong.

Langaas added that filling bellyhold space on international flights was essential to ensure they remain profitable.

He explained that aircraft are often full when leaving Oslo due to strong seafood exports but there is potential to fill existing capacity on the import side.

DB Schenker will consolidate its airfreight to and from the Nordics at Oslo Airport, said DB Schenker Norway managing director Knut Eriksmoen.

Avinor added that trucks that bring goods into Norway leave the country empty but the new freight terminal can also help change this picture.

“It is about making use of the fact that there is available cargo capacity on flights into Norway and in trucks out of the country,” said Langaas. “By making it possible for large forwarders to consolidate their freight at Oslo Airport, we will be able to make better use of the available capacity by air and road.”

Eriksmoen added that it was the same for DB Schenker rail operations, with trains coming into the country full but leaving empty.

The DB Schenker facility is not the only new facility being developed at the Norwegian hub.

Earlier this year, Avinor signed a deal with cargo handler Oslo Seafood & Cargo Center (OSCC) for a seafood terminal at the airport.