Amazon Air Expands to Europe: First Regional Hub Launched

Amazon has commenced operations at its inaugural Amazon Air hub in Europe, situated at the Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. This new installation covers an area of 20,000 square meters and will be the base for two Boeing 737-800 aircraft displaying Amazon branding, increasing the company’s overall operating air fleet to over 70 planes.

According to the retail corporation, this new hub will create more than 200 employment opportunities within the Leipzig region, where Amazon currently has a workforce exceeding 1,500 people due to a substantial regional fulfillment center. Amazon also emphasizes that this development will enable the company to maintain efficient delivery services throughout Europe, particularly during the ongoing pandemic.

Amazon has been progressively expanding its Air cargo logistics capabilities since initially announcing the growth of its delivery and shipping network in 2016. The company currently operates regional air hubs at airports located in Texas, Puerto Rico, and Florida within the United States, with further expansion planned for San Bernardino International Airport in California and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in 2021.

In June, the company bolstered its fleet with twelve additional aircraft, a decision attributed to managing increased demand stemming from the effects of COVID-19. The launch of its European hub demonstrates a continued focus on developing this segment of its business, a logical step considering the likely surge in demand for its services during the present second wave of the virus in Europe and around the world.