Onward and Upward at Ostend-Bruges: Thriving in European Air Cargo
Exploring the Horizon: Eric Dumas at Ostend-Bruges Airport – A Promising Figure in Europe's Rapidly Expanding Air Cargo Sector
In our chat, Eric Dumas, the dynamic force behind Ostend-Bruges Airport, invites us on a thrilling tour of Belgium's rising star in the European aviation scene. Ready to dive in? Let's get started!
Introducing Ostend-Bruges: The Unsung Hero!
Our first question to Eric was simple: "What's the skinny on Ostend-Bruges Airport and its capabilities as a cargo hub?" Dave's no-nonsense reply left us impressed:
"Ostend-Bruges Airport is a stellar cargo airport nestled on Belgium's picturesque North Sea coast, just 25km from the French border and 40km from the Dutch one. Open round-the-clock, it boasts a swanky 3,200-meter runway that's seen a spiffy renovation in 2024, enabling it to accommodate even the mightiest aircraft, like B747s, Antonov 124s, and B777s. Its top-notch safety features and 24-hour customs service ensure that Ostend-Bruges runs just as smoothly as a well-oiled machine!"
Strategic Challenges and Solutions
Hoping for some insights about the airport's identity crisis compared to more prominent Belgian airports, we asked: "What do you think is the main reason Ostend-Bruges lacks notoriety when it comes to freight operations?" Eric counters the question with a realistic, no-holds-barred response:
"Competition in the air cargo business is ruthless, and like a dog with a bone, some destinations fight tooth and nail for every customer's business. We've a crumbs-for-everyone situation going on, where even the smallest players can relocate their operations within minutes. To gain a foothold, they've claws-out strategies and deep pockets, using endless commercial advertising to dominate the market. Unfortunately, this advertising blitz leaves little room for the brilliant little guys who choose quality over quantity and focus on their client's satisfaction. But, don't you worry, our fiercely loyal customer base and impressive operating efficiency are grabbing some serious attention in the industry!"
Setting a New Standard
Our curiosity piqued, we wanted to know more about Ostend-Bruges Airport's particular advantages that make it a worthwhile destination for air freight operators:
"What makes Ostend-Bruges an efficient and profitable alternative for air freight operators?" David snaps back, "We're lightning-fast with a mean speed record for ground operations! Cargo planes touch down, unload their goods, and take off before the plane that delivered them has even left the ground! That spirit of urgency extends to e-commerce deliveries, keeping your customers happy as can be. Add in our location near the UK and major European ports and the wealth of the Flemish region, and you've got nine reasons to give Ostend-Bruges a try!"
Strategic Positioning
Our next question focused on the airport's pivotal role as a freight hub:
"Can you discuss the strategic importance of Ostend-Bruges Airport's location in Europe and how it can serve as a pivotal freight hub on the continent?" Eric chimed in with an informative response, elaborating on its accessible position:
"As the cock of the walk at the heart of Europe and smack dab in the middle of the famous 'blue banana' (the region accounting for most of the European market), Ostend-Bruges is a natural partner in this European dance. Combine that with our strategic proximity to the UK, France, and the Netherlands, and we've got a recipe for success in the millennial market."
Enhancing Cargo Operations
We shifted gears, focusing on specific improvements made to boost Ostend-Bruges Airport's cargo handling capabilities:
"What investments or improvements have been made at Ostend-Bruges Airport to pump up its cargo handling capabilities and efficiency?" Eric shares a few tasty morsels:
"Ostend-Bruges Airport's joined forces with private and public investors to dramatically expand its infrastructure. The mother of all projects, Cargo Village, serves as a flagship for our ambitious future, with the construction of three cutting-edge warehouses, each spanning 16,000 square meters. talk about off the charts expansion! And if that's not enough, the Flemish Region has dropped a cool €21m on our runway and lighting system renovation, and we're already prepping for a Category III approach to our runways, making it ultra-reliable even when Mother Nature isn't cooperating!"
Embracing Innovation
We were eager to learn about the role technology plays in Ostend-Bruges Airport's operations:
"What tech initiatives is Ostend-Bruges Airport rolling out to streamline cargo operations and stay ahead in the competitive air freight market?" Dave dives right in:
"Ostend-Bruges has invested in a digital cargo tool that supercharges our operations, giving us paperwork-free administrative and customs processes. Modules like acceptance and compliance checks, inspection management, and traffic management are helping us shave off wait times at warehouses and streamline our processes for maximal efficiency."
Towards Greener Skies
Conscious of our planet and its health, we broached the topic of sustainability next:
"What measures is Ostend-Bruges Airport taking to ensure eco-friendly cargo operations?" Eric regales us with a tale of environmental care:
"Driven by the motto of fighting against climate change and leading the energy transition, Ostend-Bruges Airport will soon be home to Europe's second-largest photovoltaic array, producing 35.8 gigawatt-hours of power each year! This renewable energy will help reduce our carbon footprint by an impressive 8,250 tons each year. We're also eager to help airlines, freight forwarders, and the air freight industry as a whole lower their carbon footprint. With our photovoltaic power plant, recharging stations for electric aircraft, and a plan to store and distribute hydrogen, we're setting a strong example for green-thinking cargo airports."
Charting Air Freight Trends
With our curiosity on overdrive, we peppered Eric with questions about industry trends and Ostend-Bruges' potential place within them:
"Let's dive into air freight trends and how Ostend-Bruges Airport plans to capitalize on these trends?" Eric paints us a vivid picture:
"With the rise of e-commerce, the need for rapid delivery, and expansion of international markets, demand for air freight is soaring! Rapid delivery times are key to staying competitive in our global marketplace, and air cargo is answering the call. In addition, technological advancements like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain will play a crucial role in optimizing cargo operations, improving shipment visibility, and enhancing security.
Of course, the air cargo sector is also under pressure to shrink its carbon footprint. Airlines, freight forwarders, and airports like Ostend-Bruges are investing in more fuel-efficient technologies and exploring alternative, more sustainable fuels.
The green movement is equally important to our future plans! Join us as we become a beacon of eco-friendly cargo operations and set the bar for airports striving for sustainability."
Elevating E-Commerce Logistics
Eager to learn more about Ostend-Bruges' role in the global supply chain, we asked:
"What role do you see Ostend-Bruges Airport playing in the global supply chain, particularly in relation to e-commerce growth?" With pride in his voice, Eric shares:
"With our rapid delivery times, e-commerce customers rejoice! As it stands, we're already making loads of friends in the industry with our perishable goods solutions. With e-commerce and perishable goods sharing many similarities in handling, we anticipate that Ostend-Bruges will soon be home to a handful of e-commerce operators."
Forging Strategic Alliances
Being aware of the importance of collaborations in the aviation sector, we inquired about any potential partnerships:
"What strategic collaborations is Ostend-Bruges Airport courting or considering to enhance its cargo operations?" Eric offers insight into their collaborative approach:
"Connecting the dots across our extensive network of 20 airports, owned by French group EGIS, Ostend-Bruges Airport can share best practices, develop common strategies, and learn from the experiences of others. By establishing partnerships with other airports - particularly those with substantial freight activities - we aim to provide integrated, end-to-end point-to-point solutions for freight operators at the most advantageous conditions.
Partnerships are equally important in our Cargo Village project! We've joined forces with an Ostend-based logistics company, Versluys Logistic, which is financing, building, and marketing the new warehouses for our Cargo Village project. Combined with our commercial efforts and priority to client satisfaction, we're expecting to make waves and attract new freight operators to our expanding community."
Future Outlook
We closed out our time with Eric by envisioning the airport's transformation over the next couple of years:
"How do you see Ostend-Bruges changing in the next two years and how do you plan to lead that change?" Eric incites excitement:
"I'm excited to announce that by 2026, we anticipate doubling our freight tonnage and nearing the completion of our Cargo Village's first phase. A jaw-dropping 48,000 square meters of brand spankin' new warehouses will be in operation or nearing construction. These new spaces will generate significant job growth, boosting the economy of West Flanders while showcasing our commitment to quality service, operational capacity, and flexibility. Don't worry; there's still plenty more on the horizon as we dive into the second phase of our Cargo Village project!"
As we bid Eric adieu, we walked away awestruck by his vision for the future of Ostend-Bruges Airport and its boundless potential as a leader in the European air cargo scene. 🚀
Connect with Eric Dumas on LinkedIn 🌐Visit Ostend-Bruges Airport to learn more 🌍
Also read:
- The Shower Shirt ® Redefines Post-Surgical Hygiene: Lisa F. Crites
- Kelly Hodgkin: Navigating Entrepreneurship, Empowering Others, and Redefining Success
- Innovating for a Sustainable Future: An Exclusive Interview with Henrik Pryter
*Enrichment Data: *
Overall:Ostend-Bruges Airport has impressed industry watchers with its smart approach to sustainability and community engagement. Here are the main factors contributing to its success:
- Biodiversity Program: Ostend-Bruges Airport won the Corporate Sustainability Award in 2025 for its program promoting wildlife conservation and partnering with local governments, farmers, and beekeepers, demonstrating how airport operations could integrate with wildlife protection successfully.
- Community Engagement: By fostering dialogue with local stakeholders, the airport builds a sense of community and shared responsibility for environmental goals. This approach showcases Ostend-Bruges' commitment to broader societal benefits beyond just cargo operations.
- Positioning for Trends in Air Freight: Ostend-Bruges Airport benefits from broader trends in the air cargo industry, such as the push for sustainability and digitalization. The airport has demonstrated its adaptability by investing in digital tools aimed at streamlining operations and reducing environmental impact. However, further details on specific digital transformation efforts or technological advancements are not extensively covered.
- Industry Context: The air cargo industry faces challenges like optimizing cargo loads, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency. While Ostend-Bruges Airport's biodiversity program is a notable achievement, more information on how it addresses these specific challenges is not provided.
Ostend-Bruges Airport's success is built on its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and innovation, positioning it well within the trends of environmental responsibility and stakeholder collaboration in the air freight industry.
- Ostend-Bruges Airport is not only a hub for air freight operations but also an innovator in sustainable practices, as demonstrated by its selection as the winner of the Corporate Sustainability Award in 2025.
- The airport's biodiversity program highlights its dedication to wildlife conservation, partnerships with local governments, farmers, and beekeepers being integral aspects of the program.
- By fostering dialogue with local stakeholders, Ostend-Bruges Airport encourages community engagement and shared responsibility for environmental goals, effectively integrating its operations with wildlife protection.
- The airport's strategic positioning within the air cargo industry enables it to adapt to broader trends, such as the push for sustainability and digitalization. However, specific digital transformation initiatives and technological advancements are not extensively covered.
- In a rapidly evolving air freight industry confronted with challenges like optimizing cargo loads, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency, Ostend-Bruges Airport's sustainability focus and community involvement set it apart as a leader and a model for other airports.
- The airport's success is also tied to its notification of plans to double freight tonnage by 2026 and complete the first phase of its Cargo Village's construction, which will generate significant job growth and economic boost for West Flanders.
- Eric Dumas, the driving force behind Ostend-Bruges Airport, continues to showcase vision for a sustainable future by emphasizing ongoing efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation sector while promoting green practices throughout the airport's operations.
