The country’s major airports should do more to facilitate the efficient movement of freight, according to the Australian Logistics Council (ALC).

 

ALC’s Managing Director, Michael Kilgariff, addressed the Australian Airports Association at it’s National Conference, saying that air freight operators should be given more priority to help move their high-value, time critical goods around Australia and across the world, particularly through Asia.

 

“Airports managers must treat freight as a core part of their business and regard it with equal importance as the efficient movement of passengers,” Mr Kilgariff said.

 

“A range of industry sectors, such as the mining and medical industries, rely heavily on air freight for urgent overnight deliveries.

 

“Unfortunately, freight is not afforded the priority it deserves at many of Australia’s major airports which is impacting upon supply chain efficiency.

 

“Airports are critical links in the supply chain, and all airports need to view the freight task in a way that acknowledges air freight is an important part of the national economy.

 

Mr Kilgariff said that the Asian White Paper, which estimated that air freight volumes are expected to double by 2025, underpins the need for greater focus on improving supply chain efficiency in the air freight sector.

 

“In practical terms, this means better long term planning at our airports to ensure the needs of freight are appropriately recognised, and putting in place more equitable pricing arrangements.”

 

Mr Kilgariff also called on governments to start planning for a second airport in the Sydney basin to ensure future aviation-related growth opportunities can be realised.