Frankfurt-Hahn and Aktau airports begin cargo partnership

Frankfurt-Hahn and Aktau Airports Launch Strategic Cargo Partnership

A New Collaboration to Strengthen Air Cargo Connectivity

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) in Germany and Aktau International Airport (SCO) in Kazakhstan have officially entered into a strategic cooperation aimed at boosting air cargo development between Europe and Central Asia. The two airports recently signed a partnership agreement that focuses on identifying new commercial opportunities, improving operational efficiency, and expanding the long-term cargo potential of both regions.

Early Success and Growing Operational Momentum

Since the launch of the agreement, the partners have already completed two cargo flights, with two additional services scheduled in the near future. Airport representatives confirmed that more routes are currently being planned, highlighting the promising freight demand between the two geographic markets. The early movement of goods serves as a strong indication of the partnership’s ability to generate tangible results from the outset.

Joint Initiatives Across Technology, Security, and Operations

Beyond flight coordination, the cooperation aims to strengthen multiple airport functions. The partnership includes plans to collaborate on technological innovation, enhance security protocols, and improve customer service. Operational procedures in both cargo and passenger sectors will also be streamlined, enabling the airports to share expertise and elevate overall service quality. 
This multi-layered approach underscores the ambition to build a long-lasting relationship that benefits both airports, their customers, and broader supply-chain networks.

Strengthening Economic Ties Between Germany and Kazakhstan

A key objective of the agreement is to support the economic relationship between Germany and Kazakhstan. By improving cargo links, the airports hope to stimulate trade flows, facilitate faster transport of goods, and contribute to broader regional development. Stronger air logistics connectivity is expected to create new opportunities for companies operating along the Europe–Asia corridor.

Frankfurt-Hahn: A Strategic European Gateway

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport holds a unique position within Germany’s aviation network. As one of the few airports in the country with unrestricted 24/7 operations, HHN is able to accommodate continuous cargo movement without time limitations.
Its central location makes it an ideal hub for servicing production centers and logistics hotspots across the European Union. With access to both Middle Eastern and Asian markets, HHN is increasingly positioning itself as a vital cargo gateway linking global supply chains.

Aktau Airport: A Rising Hub on the Caspian Sea

Aktau International Airport is strategically located in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region — the nation’s only territory directly connected to the Caspian Sea. This geographic advantage places SCO at a crossroads of land, sea, and air transport routes between Europe and Asia.
The airport is actively developing its infrastructure to transform itself into a key transit point for freight traveling across the region. A 24/7 customs and border checkpoint already serves customers, and plans for a direct rail link will further strengthen SCO’s role as a multimodal logistics hub.

Leadership Expresses Confidence in the Partnership

Airport officials from both sides have expressed strong enthusiasm regarding the new collaboration.
Meruyert Zholdybayeva, general manager of Aktau International Airport, emphasized the airport’s dedication to innovation and cooperative growth. She highlighted that the face-to-face meeting in Germany marked a promising beginning to their joint efforts.
Rüdiger Franke, managing director and chief executive of Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, added that the partnership expands HHN’s global network and is expected to create significant mutual benefits. He expressed confidence that the exchange of expertise will bring operational and strategic advantages for both partners.

Part of a Broader Expansion Strategy

The agreement with Aktau is not HHN’s first step toward international collaboration. Earlier this year, the German airport began working with Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in the United States under a similar cargo-focused partnership model.
These alliances reflect Frankfurt-Hahn’s wider strategy to strengthen its global presence and reinforce its position as a competitive European cargo hub.

A New Chapter for Frankfurt-Hahn Airport

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport’s efforts come after several years of uncertainty, during which it entered administration. Stability returned in 2023 when German real estate group TRIWO acquired the Frankfurt-Hahn Airport Group. Since then, HHN has been intensifying efforts to modernize operations, attract new partners, and rebuild its long-term strategic roadmap.
The partnership with Aktau International Airport serves as another significant milestone in this ongoing transformation, demonstrating the airport’s renewed commitment to growth and global connectivity.