Liverpool and Leipzig in automotive alliance for a no-deal Brexit

Liverpool and Leipzig will join air cargo capabilities to maintain automotive supply chains in the case of a no deal Brexit when the UK leaves the European Union at the end of March.

Wynne Aviation, based at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and Germany’s Leipzig Airport, along with Airport Park Leipzig Halle, have announced an “alliance arrangement designed to establish formal contingency planning measures” in case of a no deal Brexit.

The partners said in a statement: “The contingency measures involve the establishment of a consortia comprising; air cargo aircraft operators, warehousing operators, air cargo handling, Customs clearance and trucking companies who form the alliance.

“They have come together to present a seamless air cargo service level offering to support the logistics requirements of the UK’s North West, North Midlands and North Wales automotive cluster and Germany’s eastern automotive cluster.”

UK-based Jota Aviation and Russia’s Volga-Dnepr Group will provide freighter support with BAE146-300F, B737-400SF, An24-100 and IL-76 aircraft.

Leipzig has 39,000 sq m of warehousing available on an off-airport site adjacent to the hub, while both airports have 24 hour operations

Tom Hughes, business development director at Wynne Aviation Services, said: “The announcement today brings together key players in the air cargo logistics business who are partnering to provide the automotive sector with a clear picture of the service level offering available to support their logistics needs should a no deal Brexit happen.

“Both Liverpool and Leipzig airports are located at the heart of two major automotive clusters and so the strengthening and marketing of our collective logistics facilities at this crucial time is an entirely sensible measure.”

Mario Patyk, head of business development cargo/logistics at Leipzig/Halle Airport said: “The just in time automotive supply chain could face some unforeseen consequences should a no deal Brexit happen and so the establishment of a strong counterparty relationship on air cargo logistics with the UK and in particular the automotive cluster within the Liverpool catchment area, where Liverpool Airport is a key air cargo gateway is a prudent measure to take both today but also beyond Brexit.”

Andre Morrall, business development director at Airport Park Leipzig Halle, said: “As strong partners of Leipzig Airport, where we have significant ready to rent large scale warehousing, today’s announcement helps to place in the minds of shippers and freight forwarders the existence of this new alliance and the collective and substantial service level offerings we can provide.”