The Berlin logistics company Zeitfracht has snapped up parts of Air Berlin, Cologne-based WDL Aviation and is also interested in Skywork Airlines. Boss Wolfram Simon about the plans of his group.

Zeitfracht was hardly known in the aviation industry until now. Why are you investing so heavily in this sector right now?
Wolfram Simon*: In fact, until eight weeks ago, we were only known to a few experts in the logistics industry. They knew us as co-founders and managers of DPD in Berlin. While we were still working at DPD, we discussed the necessity, opportunities and risks of a European express network for small parcels.

However, the aviation industry is not an easy place to work. Why do you believe it will be successful?
The logistics industry is highly competitive and challenging. Zeitfracht has epitomised entrepreneurial success like no other logistics service provider for over 70 years through innovative, courageous and well-considered decisions. We are certain that with the right cargo concept it is possible to operate successfully.

You would have liked to take over Air Berlin as a whole. Wouldn't that have been a huge chunk for Zeitfracht as a medium-sized company?
When we entered the bidding process for Air Berlin at the beginning of September 2017, we did indeed look at the company as a whole. At that time, prior to an in-depth audit, we had already signalled that we would need partners for the passenger business. In the course of our evaluation of the figures, data and facts as well as the other serious interested parties, we then carefully focussed on what was possible and feasible from a commercial point of view.

Instead, you took over Air Berlin Technik (together with the maintenance company Nayak) and Air Berlin Leisure Cargo, as well as WDL Aviation. What are your plans there?
Concentrating on what was possible and feasible at Air Berlin was appropriate and worked out very well. Especially when you consider the acquisition of WDL Aviation. Our preferred approach is to be able to offer our services from our own resources, with our specialists and our aircraft. This guarantees us independence and fair conditions for our customers.

Together with Nayak, you were also interested in Skywork - a small regional airline. Why, as you had previously focussed on the freight business?
For the freight business with small packages, for example as additional freight, the machines with capacities that can transport a payload of around ten tonnes of freight, particularly in the general cargo and parcel sector, are economically interesting.

Skywork has obtained a bank loan. You wanted to join as an investor. Disappointed?
We are in intensive talks with Skywork and are discussing long-term solutions for the airline.

Could you imagine getting more involved in the passenger business in general?
With the acquisition of WDL Aviation, we have already entered the passenger business, where we want to and will use our expertise to further professionalise and more efficiently manage by-carriage and transport services.

* Wolfram Simon (37) is a qualified banker. He has worked for the Berlin-based Zeitfracht Group since 2009 and has been Managing Director since 2016. Zeitfracht operates in the fields of freight forwarding, transport and logistics, real estate, technology and planning. With around 950 employees, it generates an annual turnover of around 220 million euros.