The two cargo hangars West and Mitte have been in use for more than 60 years. During this time, the requirements of the cargo business has changed to a large extent. While in the past cargo business was mainly based on standardized palletized goods, the focus today is increasingly on the transport of small goods and freight with different requirements - for example in terms of temperature. The trend towards special freight is increasing the need for suitable cargo handling infrastructure. With the construction of Fracht Rächtenwisen as a modern handling and storage hangar, Flughafen Zürich AG can meet the changing demand. 

More flexibility 
In the east of the airport, a building of almost  9,500 m² is being constructed. It will offer 20 docking ramps for trucks, areas for import and export processes as well as for customs and security checks. The new infrastructure also provides space for specialized processes for handling pharmaceutical and hazardous goods. Additional office space is planned on the south side of the building. The new cargo hangar will be constructed using concrete pillars with a wooden supporting structure and a photovoltaic system on the roof.  Once completed, the new Rächtenwisen cargo hangar will be leased and used by dnata Switzerland AG, a ground handling service provider. 

According to current planning, the building is expected to go into operation in 2027. As the country's largest airport, Zurich Airport is of great importance for the export and import of goods from and to Switzerland. Overall, around 50 percent of the value of exports from Switzerland is air freight. It is therefore important to have a functioning infrastructure and an intercontinental network that meet the demand.