Airports came under fire from the air cargo community at the recent Air Cargo Handling conference in Paris, with ground handlers and carriers telling airports they are neglecting the importance of air freight, the Shipping Gazette informs. 
"The only guy at the airport who remembers me is the real estate guy, because I pay the rent. But they don't think: 'I should get more of these businesses in because I'll rent out more space'," said global ground handler Worldwide Flight Services' (WFS) chief executive Olivier Bijaoui.
Amsterdam's Schiphol and Brussels Airport won praise, but London Heathrow, Charles de Gaulle and JFK were called a "disgrace", reports London's Load Star.
"We've been met with stony silence from the airport and customs in London on our ideas for cargo," said one handler.
Cargo interests say airports focus on passengers despite the fact that many flights passing through metropolitan airports are only justified by the amount of cargo they carry in bellyholds. "We need to show airports our contribution," said one delegate.
Said Brussels Airport cargo chief Steven Polmans: "Passengers make more money, but you can get more back from a small cargo investment, and we see cargo as a tool with which to grow our business."
Etihad cargo chief Chris Notter appealed for individual companies across the chain to act as an industry, rather than as a shipper, or forwarder, or handler.
Said Dnata cargo vice president Ross Morino: "Ground handlers shouldn't be the industry's whipping boy. Procurement guys at the airlines don't look at quality - they only look at contact with the ground handler. But, if we spoke to the cargo experts at the airline, we could take some of the costs out by developing a service together. "
WFS's Mr Bijaoui agreed: "Some airlines are looking for partnerships. But through their purchasing departments they put the pressure on, and talk about nothing but price. Cargo guys talk cargo. Procurement talks price. It's a shame, but there's nothing we can do."