PRESS RELEASE – Ostend-Bruges Airport is pleased to announce the appointment of Johan Leunen as Cargo Development Director, reinforcing the airport’s commitment to strengthening its cargo activities and sustainable growth.

Johan brings more than 23 years of experience in the air cargo industry. He began his career in 2000, building expertise across cargo handling, forwarding, and airport development. Starting in operations, he advanced through roles in customer support and sales management, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Beyond his early career at Brussels Airport, Johan also worked as Business and Market Development Manager in the forwarding sector. In 2012, he joined Brussels Airport Company as Cargo Marketing Manager, where he focused on supporting cargo airlines and fostering their growth. Until January 1st, 2025, Johan served as Senior Business & Development Manager Cargo at Brussels Airport, playing a pivotal role in attracting new cargo airlines and logistics players, and contributing significantly to the airport’s international outreach and development.

In his new role at Ostend-Bruges Airport, Johan will work alongside the Cargo Sales Director Rose Yiqian QIU and Egis Group Director of Cargo Strategy Steven Verhasselt to further develop the airport’s cargo services, attract new business opportunities, and drive sustainable growth in line with the region’s strategic ambitions.

Quote Nathan De Valck, CEO of Ostend-Bruges Airport:
“We strongly believe in the opportunities that the air cargo sector holds for Ostend-Bruges Airport. Johan’s expertise, industry knowledge, and extensive network will be a great asset to our team. With his support, we are confident we can strengthen our position as a key cargo gateway and contribute to the economic development of the region.”

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About Ostend-Bruges Airport

Ostend-Bruges Airport is a regional cargo and passenger airport located in Flanders, Belgium, strategically positioned on the North Sea coast within an accessible, congestion-free airport environment. Renowned for its flexibility, efficiency, and reliability, OST offers state-of-the-art cargo infrastructure and handling services designed to meet the evolving needs of the air freight industry. In addition to passenger and cargo flights, the airport is also investing in MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) activities, further enhancing its innovative and specialized profile.

The airport operates without slot restrictions and supports short turnaround times, enabling fast and seamless cargo operations. As a key cargo gateway to the UK market, Ostend-Bruges benefits from its proximity to the Eurotunnel terminal — just a 75-minute drive away — providing unparalleled intermodal connectivity for freight and logistics companies.

Further enhancing its intermodal advantage is the airport’s proximity to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges — Europe’s second-largest seaport — located just 45 minutes away, enabling efficient sea-air logistics solutions. Strengthening this strategic position is the nearby access to an extensive highway network that provides direct and efficient access to France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the rest of Belgium, ensuring seamless overland transport across major European corridors.