Schiphol and KLM sign agreement on relocating KLM cargo and catering
Schiphol and KLM have signed an agreement to move KLM's cargo activities from Schiphol-Centrum to a new cargo zone on the other side of the Kaagbaan runway, and to relocate KLM's catering operations to the Schiphol-Noord area. The step is part of implementing the Schiphol-Centrum Masterplan, which outlines the airport's development over the next 25 years.
According to Schiphol, the agreement will free up space for three planned changes: new stands for larger and wider aircraft in the future fleet, construction of a new Terminal Zuid to accommodate the growing number of passengers, and a joint investment by Schiphol and KLM to strengthen the Dutch air cargo sector.
According to the airport, the space freed up by the former KLM buildings should help with overall modernisation and improved accessibility of the airport. Schiphol argues that the capacity of the current terminal no longer matches the number of passengers, which is expected to keep growing as larger aircraft are deployed. It also mentions the upcoming A-pier terminal, due to open next year, and the goal of cutting emissions from the airport's ground activities by 90% by 2030 compared with 2019, partly through new gas-free construction.
KLM's buildings are to move to the newly built Vracht 15 cargo hall in the Schiphol-Zuidoost area, where a modern, centrally located cargo zone with better accessibility is to be created. KLM Catering Services and Topside facilities will also relocate to new sites at the airport.
Next steps
- Following the signing of the agreement, the design phase for the new cargo terminal in Schiphol-Zuidoost is now beginning.
- A tender process to select architects for the project is currently underway.
- Projects for relocating activities, developing Schiphol-Centrum and building the new cargo zone will be launched in stages.