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DHL debuts automated pallet handling system in Leipzig terminal

INTERNATIIONAL express mail services provider, DHL Express, has opened two new terminals at its fast growing Leipzig hub, with one of the operations featuring the world's first automated pallet handling system, Air Cargo News reported.

The new Terminal Two and Terminal Three were built at a cost of EUR230 million (US$254 million), more than doubling the surface area of the hub's sorting centre to 87,000 square metres.

Shipment processing times at the terminal have increased 50 per cent to 150,000 items per hour.

Terminal Two is the larger of the two with Terminal Three currently being used for larger shipments as work continues on its sorting system. This should be fully operational by the end of 2017.

Deutsche Post DHL Group chief executive Frank Appel said in a press conference the success of the hub was down to its Central European location and good road and rail links from the airport.

He said that 50 per cent of the company's European flights and 16 per cent of global flights are handled at Leipzig, which handles 65 aircraft per day.

"The successful launch of our expanded hub and new sorting facility is a further step that reinforces the importance of Leipzig as our main European hub," he said.

DHL Express Germany chairman of the divisional board Wolfgang Albeck said that while the terminal would increase capacity, it would also speed up processing times, which was important to express customers.

The express firm also revealed its world first automated pallet handling system, which will be based in Terminal Two. The machine can handle shipments of up to 170 kilogrammes.