DHL Exel Supply Chain says the world's airports are under pressure to streamline operations as passenger numbers reached a record 4.4 billion in 2006, severely impacting on supply chains and airport logistics.
The research, which focussed primarily on airport logistics services in the UK, involved interviewing airport authorities and airport-based companies across Europe. It identified five big problems: delivering growth; strengthening security amid fear of terror attacks; meeting government regulations, remaining competitive and maintaining and upgrading infrastructure in the face of growing demand.
DHL said its research paper, entitled "Airport Logistics - Delivering Benefits to the Airport Community in the 21st Century," reveals that these pressures exist in airports across Europe, particularly with regard to managing costs and delivering operating efficiencies.
The research said the expected doubling of passengers worldwide by 2020 many airports are undergoing massive infrastructure upgrades to meet this growth.
"With this pressure on airports and their desire to achieve optimum service, there is a real opportunity for companies like DHL to reduce operating costs and contribute to carbon footprint reduction," said DHL's continental European chief Leigh Pomlett.
DHL said that the airport logistics it provides is designed to offer a solution to improving inbound and outbound operations and flow management.
"DHL's global reach and local knowledge combined with innovative solutions, like the consolidation centre model, puts us in the position to address the security and environmental issues that are fundamental to future profitability and successful operations of European airports," added Mr Pomlett.
|
