Geography of production and international transport flows: the growth of air cargo at the Airport of Zaragoza

Abstract

This article reviews the recent growth of freight transport through the airport of Zaragoza, Spain. We first present the complex framework for cargo transport in the world and its impact on airports. The competitive advantages of the Zaragoza airport are then considered, stressing its proximity to the Plataforma Logística de Zaragoza, a good exemple of the major commitment of the regional government for the development of logistic spaces and activities. The traffic analysis shows that the airport is heavily dependent of the freight carried for only two companies, Caladero and Inditex. Both are leaders in their respective sectors and own major distribution centers within the logistic platform mentioned. We end with a reflection on the prospects that are presented to the airport according with the strategic and organisative decisions of both firms, within an international context competitive, changing, and with an increasing incidence of environmental and energy issues.