Due to the fact that demand for air transport has been increasing in recent decades, while airport capacities have not been increasing correspondingly, many airlines have switched to the RFS system. The idea behind this is that goods are transported through „hubs”. On behalf of airlines, goods are transported by trucks from so-called „off-line airports” to larger air cargo hubs, such as Frankfurt, Paris, or London, and then transported by air. This system also works in reverse, meaning goods are delivered to the hub by air transport and transported by trucks to „off-line airports”.

Thanks to its own favorable cost structure, the system has caught on quickly, delays can be easily made up by handover and overnight transports, making no difference to the shipper or customer. The RFS truck is legally treated as air freight and moves under a through number.

CONCERNSWNE

• System Hub and Spoke

• Air transport