Lufthansa Cargo is expanding its reach in southern Germany with the launch of freighter operations from Munich Airport (MUC), starting July 6, 2024.
This marks a first for the hub, which will now utilize an A321 freighter for a twice-weekly connection to Istanbul Airport.
This new route complements Munich’s existing belly network, offering increased capacity and flexibility.
Munich Airport Launch
“We’re excited to provide our customers with this enhanced service,” said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.
“The new freighter connection strengthens our global network and offers businesses in southern Germany a reliable and efficient option for air cargo transportation.”
“Munich Airport boasts ideal infrastructure for fast and dependable cargo movement, further facilitating global trade through this key European hub.”
“This launch reflects our commitment to continuously aligning our network with evolving customer needs.”
Jost Lammers, CEO of Flughafen München GmbH, echoed the positive sentiment. “The introduction of regular cargo flights to Istanbul by Lufthansa Cargo is a significant development for both Bavarian exporters and Munich Airport.”
“The airport’s growing cargo importance is evident in the above-average growth rates we’ve seen this year. Lufthansa Cargo’s presence will further solidify Munich’s position as a leading cargo hub.”
Munich Cargo Hub
Lufthansa Cargo’s Munich hub spans an impressive 38,000 square meters. Notably, it incorporates the state-of-the-art, CEIV-certified Pharma Hub MUC.
This is specifically designed for the optimal storage and handling of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products.
This specialized facility, along with the extensive RFS network for seamless road transportation, allows Lufthansa Cargo to handle a vast array of goods and product categories at the Munich hub.
Previously, cargo movement primarily relied on belly capacity aboard Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Austrian Airlines, and SunExpress passenger aircraft.
This expansion by the carrier signifies a significant boost for Munich Airport’s cargo operations and strengthens its position as a crucial European airfreight hub.
With the new freighter service and advanced facilities, businesses in southern Germany gain a reliable and efficient channel for global trade.
About Lufthansa Cargo AG
Revenue of 3.0 billion euros and a transport performance of 7.5 billion freight ton kilometers was acheived in 2023. This firms Lufthansa Cargo as one of the world’s leading companies in the transport of airfreight.
The company currently employs around 4,150 people worldwide. Lufthansa Cargo’s focus is on the airport-to-airport business.
The route network covers around 300 destinations in more than 100 countries. It employs both freighter aircraft and cargo capacity from passenger aircraft.
These are operated by Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines and SunExpress, as well as trucks. The majority of the cargo business is presently handled via Frankfurt Airport.
In 2023, important milestones were reached, such as the investment in the continuous expansion of the B777F fleet.
The carrier also saw the expansion of short- and medium-haul networks with A321 freighters. Last year also saw the continuation of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel program.
In 2024, Lufthansa Cargo plans to successively equip its B777F fleet with Sharkskin technology, implement further digital services and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions through sustainable logistics solutions.
