Kuehne+Nagel, a global logistics company, welcomed the first charter cargo flight into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) marking the first cargo flight from Stuttgart, Germany to the Eastern U.S. on Sunday, April 2.

This milestone comes on the heels of announcing Kuehne+Nagel and Birmingham Airport Authority are partnering to expand air cargo business in the Southeastern Corridor of the U.S. in February 2023. Starting this week, Kuehne+Nagel will conduct two weekly flights with international cargo coming from Stuttgart, Germany to Birmingham, Alabama.

In addition to being able to carry 16% more cargo than its predecessor, the Boeing 747-8 Freighter Aircraft’s max take-off weight is 950 lbs. greater. This weekly flight will help the automotive, aviation, and pharmaceutical industries, among others who need faster recovery time than at the major hubs that are experiencing congestion due to heavy activity.

“As the number-one air freight forwarder worldwide, we are always looking for ways to contribute to the business success of our customers who trust us to manage their logistics,” said Greg Martin, Senior Vice President, Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel. “Our vision is to make Birmingham into a long-term gateway to and from the Southeastern Corridor of the U.S. and we’re pleased to be able to provide customers with alternative options that support their supply chain needs.”