Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) will expand its air cargo operations at Liege Airport (LGG) in Belgium with the deployment of a freighter aircraft to the airport.
The expansion includes the deployment of the Boeing 747-8F K+N-branded freighter named “Inspire”, which the freight forwarder leases from Atlas Air.
The freighter offers a payload capacity of over 140 metric tons and a range exceeding 8,000 km, said Liege Airport in a press release.
In 2022, K+N struck a long-term charter agreement with the Atlas Air Worldwide subsidiary, Atlas Air, for the last two 747-8Fs ever manufactured by Boeing.
Data from Planespotters shows that K+N currently operates "Inspire", registered as N862GT and delivered in November 2022.
The second 747-8F of the charter deal, "Empower" is leased by Asian logistics company Apex, acquired by K+N in 2021, confirmed K+N in an email to Air Cargo News.
K+N’s airfreight services at Liege already include express, charter, consolidation, and temperature-controlled solutions, supported by cutting-edge digital platforms that ensure full visibility and tracking. The forwarder also has direct access to airside first-line warehouses.
“We are delighted that Kuehne+Nagel has chosen to strengthen their operations at Liege Airport with the support of Atlas Air Worldwide,” said Laurent Jossart, chief executive of Liege Airport.
“This expansion is a testament to the trust our partners place in our location, infrastructure, and ability to support complex and time-sensitive logistics.”
Jens Ludwig, vice president global air logistics own-controlled network & charter at K+N, added: “Liege Airport is a strategic hub for our European air logistics operations.
"This expansion with Atlas allows us to provide a premium around-the-clock service for our customers, leveraging LGG’s excellent facilities and capabilities."
Michael Steen, chief executive, Atlas Air Worldwide, also stated: “We are pleased to support Kuehne+Nagel’s growing presence at Liege Airport. Their decision to expand reinforces Liege’s role as a key hub in the European logistics ecosystem.
"We look forward to continuing to contribute to this effort with reliable and high-quality airfreight operations.”
Kuehne+Nagel reported a 5% increase in air volumes in the first quarter of 2025.
