Vienna Airport and Asiana Airlines celebrated a significant anniversary this year: 25 years of successful partnership in the field of air freight.
Since the first cargo flight in 1999, the South Korean airline has transported more than 370.000 tons of air freight between Vienna and Incheon, making a significant contribution to the economic network between Austria and South Korea. This anniversary was celebrated with a festive evening event attended by high-ranking representatives of both partners, including Sang Wook Ham, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Austria, and Michael Zach, Senior Vice President Ground Handling & Cargo Operations at Flughafen Wien AG.
An important hub in international air traffic
Asiana Airlines, one of South Korea's leading airlines based in Seoul and with Incheon International Airport as its base, has established itself as a major player in international air freight transport since 1999. The airline's global network connects key economic centers in Asia, North America and Europe and has chosen Vienna Airport as its most important European logistics hub. The airport plays a central role for Asiana Airlines, particularly with regard to automobile production in Central and Eastern Europe, which is of great importance for the region.
Asiana Airlines currently operates six cargo flights a week with Boeing 747s between Vienna and Incheon. The airline transports an average of 45 tons of cargo per flight, both import and export. These regular flights ensure efficient connections and enable companies in Austria and South Korea to access important markets. The long-standing partnership has not only strengthened economic relations between the two countries, but also optimized logistics and trade throughout the region.
Vienna Airport: A logistical hub
With its strategic geographical location, Vienna Airport has established itself as one of the leading cargo hubs for Central and Eastern Europe. The airport's excellent infrastructure, combined with its 24-hour operational readiness, enables fast turnaround times and thus efficient handling of air cargo. The airport offers ten Category F aircraft parking spaces designed for large cargo aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and the Antonov 124. These advantages make Vienna Airport a preferred destination for leading cargo airlines.
The Vienna-based operating company Flughafen Wien AG is one of the largest employers in the region with more than 5.400 employees. The airport contributes significantly to the local economy, both through direct jobs and by supporting companies in the logistics and transport sectors.
Outlook: Future of air freight connections
The long-standing partnership between Vienna Airport and Asiana Airlines has shown how important air cargo is for global connectivity and economic cooperation. In an increasingly interconnected world, the efficient movement of goods between different markets is crucial for economic success. The past 25 years have proven that Asiana Airlines and Vienna Airport are able to adapt to changing market conditions and continue to offer first-class services.
Looking to the future, it is clear that the air cargo industry will continue to grow, especially in terms of e-commerce and global supply chains. The cooperation between Asiana Airlines and Vienna Airport will be crucial to meet customer needs in the coming years and further strengthen the connection between the two countries.
The celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the partnership are not only a reason to celebrate, but also an opportunity to look back on the successes of the past while setting the course for a successful future. Both Vienna Airport and Asiana Airlines are well positioned to continue to play a central role in international air cargo traffic in the coming years.