Hamburg Airport is taking a major step forward in air cargo digitalisation, announcing on July 21, 2025, that it will launch the FAIR@Link cargo community system on August 4, 2025. This move aims to fully digitise cargo handling and customs processes at The airport’s freight center, making operations faster, safer, and more transparent for everyone involved.
A New Era for Hamburg Airport Air Cargo Digitalisation
Hamburg Airport’s decision to expand air cargo digitalisation comes at a time when the logistics industry across Germany 🇩🇪 and the European Union 🇪🇺 is pushing for smarter, more secure, and more efficient supply chains. The FAIR@Link system, developed by allivate, will bring together airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, customs authorities, and trucking companies into a single digital platform. This change is expected to replace old paper-based and fragmented digital workflows with a real-time, unified system.
The airport’s management, working closely with customs officials and handling agents, wants to create a seamless digital workflow for all cargo operations. The goal is to make every step—from shipment arrival to customs clearance—easier, quicker, and less prone to mistakes.
How FAIR@Link Will Change Cargo Handling
The FAIR@Link cargo community system is set to go live on August 4, 2025. This platform is designed to:
- Digitise the entire cargo handling and customs process so that all information and documents move electronically, not on paper.
- Connect all key players—airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, customs, and trucking companies—so they can share information instantly and coordinate better.
- Increase transparency by letting everyone involved track shipments and see the status of each step in real time.
- Reduce manual errors by automating data entry and document exchange, cutting down on mistakes that can cause delays.
- Speed up processing times so that cargo moves through the airport faster, helping businesses and customers get their goods sooner.
- Enhance security and compliance by building customs and security checks directly into the digital workflow.
With FAIR@Link, all parties will be able to submit and receive documents, track shipments, and manage handovers digitally. This means less paperwork, fewer phone calls, and fewer delays caused by missing or incorrect information.
Customs and Security Integration
One of the most important parts of Hamburg Airport’s air cargo digitalisation is the full integration of customs clearance. All required documents for customs will be submitted and processed electronically. This not only speeds up the process but also helps ensure that all shipments follow European Union 🇪🇺 and German 🇩🇪 customs rules.
The digital system also includes stronger security protocols. By embedding these checks into the workflow, the airport can better prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of fraud or documentation errors. This is especially important as customs and security requirements become stricter across Europe.
Hamburg Airport Cargo Center: A Modern Facility Ready for Digitalisation
The Hamburg Airport Cargo Center (HACC), which opened in 2016, is already a major hub for air cargo in northern Germany 🇩🇪. The facility offers 20,000 square meters of logistics space and can handle up to 150,000 tonnes of airfreight each year. It features advanced technology, including temperature-controlled areas for sensitive goods, customs inspection zones, and direct access to the airport apron for quick loading and unloading.
More than 150 air cargo companies operate in the airport area, employing over 1,500 people. These companies handle a wide range of shipments, from urgent medical supplies to high-value electronics and perishable foods. The move to full digitalisation is expected to benefit all these businesses by making their work smoother and more predictable.
Previous Digitalisation Efforts and the Need for Change
Before 2025, Hamburg Airport had already started to digitise some cargo processes. However, many steps still relied on paper documents or separate digital systems that didn’t always work well together. This caused delays, confusion, and extra work for everyone involved.
The new initiative aims to fix these problems by unifying all cargo-related procedures into one digital platform. By doing so, Hamburg Airport hopes to set a new standard for air cargo operations in Germany 🇩🇪 and across Europe 🇪🇺.
Industry Trends and Policy Changes
Hamburg Airport’s push for air cargo digitalisation is part of a bigger trend in the logistics industry. Across Germany 🇩🇪, both airports and seaports are moving toward digital systems to improve security and efficiency. For example, Hamburg’s seaport operations are introducing the Secure Release Order (SRO) system for import containers in 2025. This system replaces old PIN-based releases with encrypted, platform-based processes, making container handling safer and more reliable.
These changes reflect national and European Union 🇪🇺 strategies to modernise logistics, strengthen supply chains, and cut down on paperwork. By adopting digital technology, the industry hopes to become more resilient to disruptions and better able to serve customers in a fast-changing world.
What Stakeholders Need to Know
The transition to FAIR@Link will affect many different groups at Hamburg Airport:
- Airlines and Freight Forwarders: They will need to use the new digital platform to submit documents, track shipments, and coordinate with other partners. This should make their work faster and less stressful, but it will also require some training and adjustment.
- Ground Handlers and Trucking Companies: These groups will benefit from clearer communication and fewer delays, as all information will be available in real time. They will also need to adapt to the new system and take part in training sessions.
- Customs Authorities: Customs officials will be able to process shipments more quickly and accurately, thanks to electronic document submission and built-in security checks. This should help reduce the risk of mistakes or fraud.
- Airport Management: The airport will need to manage the transition carefully, providing support and troubleshooting for all users as they adapt to the new system.
Transition Process and Support
To help everyone adjust to the new system, Hamburg Airport and allivate are offering training sessions and technical workshops. These sessions will show users how to use FAIR@Link, answer questions, and solve any problems that come up.
Starting August 4, 2025, old manual and legacy digital processes will be phased out. Hamburg Airport has set up dedicated contact points for technical and operational support during the transition. This support will continue as needed to make sure the change goes smoothly.
Contact Information for Stakeholders
For questions or support, stakeholders can reach out to:
- Hamburg Airport Cargo Center (HACC):
- General Inquiries: +49 (0)40 5075 210
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Hamburg Airport Air Cargo
- LUG aircargo handling: +49 (0)40 5075 2270, [email protected], LUG Aircargo
- Project Management (FAIR@Link): Contact via Hamburg Airport’s official cargo division
Expert and Industry Analysis: What Does This Mean for the Future?
Industry experts believe that Hamburg Airport’s air cargo digitalisation will bring big benefits:
- Efficiency Gains: By automating and digitising processes, the airport expects to see much faster turnaround times for shipments. Manual errors should drop, and everyone involved will have better visibility into where shipments are and what needs to happen next.
- Security and Compliance: The digital system will help ensure that all shipments meet customs and security requirements. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access or mistakes in documentation, which can lead to fines or delays.
- Competitive Advantage: As more airports and logistics hubs move to digital systems, those that lead the way—like Hamburg Airport—will be better positioned to attract new business and handle growing volumes of cargo.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Hamburg Airport’s digitalisation efforts are seen as a model for other airports in Germany 🇩🇪 and Europe 🇪🇺. The move is expected to set new standards for how air cargo is handled, making the airport a leader in digital logistics.
Practical Implications for Different Groups
- For Freight Forwarders and Airlines: The new system will make it easier to handle shipments, cut down on delays, and provide better service to customers. Real-time tracking and digital document exchange will help avoid misunderstandings and lost paperwork.
- For Customs and Security: Electronic document submission and built-in security checks will make it easier to follow the rules and catch problems early. This should help prevent fraud and reduce the risk of fines or shipment holds.
- For Hamburg Airport: By leading the way in digitalisation, the airport can attract more business, handle more cargo, and build a reputation as a modern, efficient hub.
Solution-Oriented Elements: How to Prepare for the Change
To make the most of Hamburg Airport’s air cargo digitalisation, stakeholders should:
- Attend Training Sessions: Take part in the workshops and training offered by the airport and allivate. This will help users learn the new system and avoid mistakes.
- Update Internal Processes: Review current workflows and update them to fit the new digital platform. This may mean changing how documents are prepared or how shipments are tracked.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with updates from Hamburg Airport about the digitalisation process. Regular communication will help everyone stay on track and avoid surprises.
- Reach Out for Support: Use the contact points provided by the airport for any questions or problems. Early support can prevent bigger issues later on.
Looking Ahead: Full Digitalisation by End of 2025
Hamburg Airport’s goal is to have all air cargo processes fully digital by the end of 2025. The FAIR@Link platform will continue to be improved based on feedback from users and changes in regulations. The airport also plans to hold regular workshops and updates to make sure everyone stays informed and comfortable with the new system.
Opening of Hamburg Airport Cargo Center (HACC)
Announcement of FAIR@Link cargo community system
Launch of FAIR@Link system
Introduction of Secure Release Order (SRO) system at Hamburg’s seaport
Goal for full digitalisation of air cargo processes
There is also the possibility that this digitalisation model will be expanded to other airports in Germany 🇩🇪 and across Europe 🇪🇺. As digital standards become the norm, more logistics hubs are likely to follow Hamburg Airport’s lead.
Background: Why Digitalisation Matters in Air Cargo
Air cargo is a vital part of the global supply chain, moving everything from medicines to electronics to fresh food. Delays, mistakes, or security problems can have big impacts—not just for businesses, but for people waiting for important goods.
Digitalisation helps solve many of these problems by:
- Making information available instantly to everyone who needs it
- Reducing paperwork and the risk of lost or incorrect documents
- Speeding up customs and security checks
- Improving communication between all parties involved in a shipment
By moving to a fully digital system, Hamburg Airport is helping to make air cargo safer, faster, and more reliable for everyone.
Official Resources for Further Information
For more details about air cargo digitalisation and customs requirements in Germany 🇩🇪, readers can visit the official German Customs website. This site provides up-to-date information on customs rules, electronic document submission, and other important topics for anyone involved in international shipping.
Summary: Hamburg Airport’s Digital Future
Hamburg Airport’s expansion of air cargo digitalisation, centered on the FAIR@Link system, marks a major step forward for the logistics industry in Germany 🇩🇪 and Europe 🇪🇺. By bringing together all key players into a single digital platform, the airport is making cargo handling faster, safer, and more transparent.
The move will benefit airlines, freight forwarders, customs officials, and the airport itself, setting a new standard for efficiency and security. With full digitalisation planned by the end of 2025, Hamburg Airport is well on its way to becoming a leader in digital air cargo operations.
For businesses and workers in the air cargo sector, now is the time to prepare for these changes. By embracing digitalisation, they can look forward to smoother operations, fewer delays, and a stronger position in the global supply chain.
Learn Today
FAIR@Link → A digital cargo community system integrating all air cargo stakeholders for real-time coordination and document exchange.
Cargo Handling → Processes involved in receiving, storing, and transporting goods through the airport from origin to destination.
Customs Clearance → The official process where goods are inspected and approved by customs authorities before import or export.
Air Freight → Transportation of goods by aircraft, typically used for high-value or time-sensitive shipments.
Digitalisation → The conversion of manual and paper-based processes into electronic, automated workflows to increase efficiency.
This Article in a Nutshell
Hamburg Airport advances air cargo by launching FAIR@Link on August 4, 2025, digitising all handling and customs. This new system unifies stakeholders on one platform, accelerates operations, enhances security, reduces errors, and sets a digital logistics benchmark for Germany and Europe’s air cargo industry.
— By VisaVerge.com
