As part of the Lufthansa Group, it relies on a measurable corporate commitment to sustainability on the basis of science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the sustainability conference at Frankfurt Airport, Lufthansa Cargo also presented its Sustainability Update 2022, which provides an overview of measures and projects already implemented on the way to CO2 neutrality.

Lufthansa Cargo will derive its own emissions target from the validated Science Based Targets of the Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group - and therefore also Lufthansa Cargo - has set itself climate protection targets: The aim is to halve net CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 and to achieve a neutral CO2 balance by 2050. In order to further specify these net targets and expand the target system to include pure reduction targets, the Lufthansa Group joined the so-called "Science Based Target Initiative" (SBTi) in 2021 to bring its CO₂ reduction path in line with the United Nations Paris Climate Agreement. Based on scientific calculations, CO2 emissions are being continuously reduced with the help of fleet renewal and optimization, improved operational efficiency and the use of sustainable aviation fuels. The official validation of these targets is imminent. There will be a special sub-target for freighters.

The "Science Based Targets Initiative" only accepts emission reductions that are attributable to a reduction in fuel consumption, for example through modern new aircraft, operational and airspace infrastructure measures and the substitution of fossil fuel with sustainable aviation fuel.

Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo: "Over the past 25 years, we have already been able to reduce our CO2 footprint per tonne-kilometer by 52%. But that is not enough. That is why we are also setting ourselves ambitious targets for the future. With the 'Science Based Targets Initiative', we have found a credible, scientific basis for this. We want to make what we have achieved so far transparent and talk just as openly with our customers, partners and the public about how we can do even better."

Lufthansa Cargo's efforts to achieve complete CO2 neutrality focus on five main areas of action: continuous fleet modernization, more efficient use of fuels, the switch to more sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), CO2 compensation projects in other sectors and the reduction of emissions on the ground.

Fleet modernization. Lufthansa Cargo invests massively in the continuous modernization of its fleet. As a result, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 52% over the past 25 years. Since October 2021, Lufthansa Cargo has completely converted its fleet to Boeing 777F freighters. By 2030, Lufthansa Cargo will also receive up to ten additional Boeing freighters, including seven 777-8F freighters, Boeing's next generation of freighters. The Boeing 777-8F freighters will once again significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Fuel efficiency. Lufthansa Cargo is taking various measures to ensure that conventional aviation fuel is used as efficiently as possible, thereby reducing the total amount required. For example, Lufthansa Cargo will gradually equip all freighters with Sharkskin technology from 2022. The innovative AeroSHARK coating, which is modeled on sharkskin, reduces the frictional resistance of the aircraft in the air by more than 1%, thereby reducing fuel consumption. In the Lufthansa Cargo fleet, around 3,700 tons of kerosene or almost 13,000 tons of CO2 emissions can be saved each year. In addition, only lightweight containers have been used in flight operations since 2020. This will result in a weight reduction of 14 kg per container and a fuel saving of 2,160 tons per year. Weight reduction is also being pursued for other loading equipment. Thanks to optimized flight procedures, fuel is also saved.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Lufthansa Cargo is one of the pioneers in the use of SAF in the air freight industry. More than 1% of Lufthansa Cargo's fuel requirements in 2021 have already been covered by Sustainable Aviation Fuels. The air freight company also currently offers the only regular full-charter freight connection worldwide that is 100% covered by SAF. This saves around 174 tons of conventional kerosene every week. Since October 2021, Lufthansa Cargo has also been one of the first customers of the world's first power-to-liquid fuel plant in Emsland, Lower Saxony. Together with one of its customers, Lufthansa Cargo has committed to purchasing at least 20 tonnes (= 25,000 liters) of the synthetic, CO2-neutral crude oil annually over the next five years in order to further advance the innovative power-to-liquid technology and the use and further development of sustainable aviation fuels.

Lufthansa Cargo presented the measures it has taken and the successes it has achieved to date at its Sustainability Conference at Frankfurt Airport on July 14. Keynote speakers included Dorothea von Boxberg (CEO of Lufthansa Cargo), Dr. Sabine Mauderer (Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Bundesbank), Marc Buckley (Environmentalist, Ecological Economist, UN Advocate and Advisor) and Matthias Kopp (Director Sustainable Finance, WWF Germany). Current issues surrounding the topic of sustainability were also discussed with numerous customers. Lufthansa Cargo will regularly supplement its sustainability update and report on the interim targets achieved. As soon as the specific Science Based Targets for the Lufthansa Group have been validated, the designated targets for cargo aircraft contained therein will also be made available to the public.