DHL Express invests €25m to triple capacity at Porto Airport
17 / 09 / 2024
Photo: DHL Group
DHL Express Portugal has invested more than €25m to triple its operational capacity at Portugal’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport with the opening of a new facility.
With a total footprint of over 18,000 sq m, the new facility enables DHL to process up to 6,500 pieces per hour for imports, an increase of 150%, and 5,000 pieces per hour for exports, a rise of 300%.
The terminal is equipped with X-ray, automatic weighing and measuring equipment, with the aim of achieving fast, efficient and secure handling of shipments.
“The capacity expansion will allow DHL to support annual volume growth in the double-digit range, which will further consolidate its leading position in the logistics sector in Portugal,” said DHL.
Sustainability was incorporated into the design of the facility. The building is equipped with solar panels, advanced lighting and ventilation systems to increase the carbon efficiency of DHL’s transportation and warehousing operations.
The facility will also feature 130 loading bays for DHL vans, 119 of which are prepared for electric vehicles.
“Portugal has been one of the strongest performers in Europe in terms of economic growth in recent years, supported by healthy demand for Portuguese exports, and DHL Express is fully committed to enabling the country’s further trade development over the long term,” said Mike Parra, chief executive of DHL Express Europe.
“As usual, we are combining our investments in capacity with the addition of new technology that improves efficiency and reliability and supports increased sustainability, which we expect to significantly enhance the competitiveness of our customers in Portugal in their export and import activities.”
José Reis, chief executive of DHL Express Portugal, added: “The inauguration of this new terminal at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto marks an important milestone for DHL in Portugal. It is a renewed commitment to innovation, sustainability and economic growth in the North of Portugal.
“We are proud to contribute to the development of this region, supporting the small and medium-sized enterprises that are the foundation of our economy. With this investment, we are prepared to continue connecting people and improving lives, while raising the standards of efficiency and sustainability in the logistics industry.”
DHL reported a 5.1% year-on-year rise in airfreight volumes to 435,000 tons in the first quarter of 2024, although airfreight revenue and profit suffered.
