Lufthansa Cargo is investing in the expansion of its cargo capacities. From the beginning of 2022, the company will offer its customers additional capacity in Europe by permanently converting Airbus 321 passenger aircraft into freighters.

The twin-engine medium-haul aircraft will be fitted with large cargo doors so that containers can also be transported on the main deck. Initially, the conversion of two Airbus aircraft is planned. These aircraft will be operated by Lufthansa CityLine on behalf of Lufthansa Cargo. They will be stationed in Frankfurt. Growth in cross-border eCommerce shipments is forecast at around 20 percent per year over the next five years. Consumers expect ever shorter delivery times for the goods they order. This is also increasing the demand for air freight connections within Europe.

"Lufthansa Cargo wants to offer customers in the eCommerce segment fast intra-European connections. With the converted A321s, we are meeting our customers' increasing demand for same-day services and further strengthening our dense network of global connections and our product range," said Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. "With the selected aircraft type, 28 tons can be transported per flight, i.e. considerably larger freight volumes than in the bellies of the short-haul aircraft. In addition to freight forwarders, integrators and postal companies, e-commerce providers will be customers for this service," continued von Boxberg.

"With over 60 years of experience in European air transport, Lufthansa City-Line stands for reliable and efficient operations as an important partner in the Lufthansa Group. Flexibility in operations and speed in identifying and implementing new opportunities are the basis of our business. We want to use these qualities to support Lufthansa Cargo and its customers," says Steffen Harbarth, Managing Director of Lufthansa CityLine. The Airbus A321s (A321P2F) converted to freighters offer a payload of 28 tons with a range of 3,500 kilometers. The conversion also allows the use of standardized cargo pallets on the main deck. The twin-engine Airbus A321 is one of the most versatile aircraft in its class and enables very efficient continental operations.