Lufthansa Cargo is facing challenges in its fleet due to delays in the delivery of new cargo aircraft, according to Heike Woerner, Senior Director of Business Development, who spoke in a webinar. Woerner stated that the airline now expects to add the first of its seven ordered B777-8F aircraft in 2028, a year later than initially planned.
Problems in the Production of New Cargo Aircraft
According to Air Cargo News, Woerner mentioned that the production of new cargo aircraft has been disrupted due to supply chain issues. As the global cargo fleet continues to age, she emphasized that 30% of aircraft are now over 30 years old, posing a significant challenge for the airline. Additionally, wide-body cargo capacity remains 19% lower compared to 2019.
Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Uncertainty Create Challenges
Lufthansa Cargo is also facing difficulties due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Factors such as upcoming U.S. tariffs, the EU’s regulatory changes regarding e-commerce, and the closure of Russian airspace are among the concerns for the company’s future.
Opportunities in Growing Asian Markets
Despite these challenges, Lufthansa Cargo continues to see opportunities in emerging markets. Woerner stated that they aim to capture freight demand in regions such as India, Vietnam, and other Asian countries due to strong economic growth. However, in Germany and Europe, “stagnant growth rates” have been observed.
Air Cargo Industry Expected to Grow
With increasing demand for e-commerce products, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical goods, the air cargo industry is expected to continue growing in 2025. Lufthansa Cargo aims to benefit from this growth.
Lufthansa Cargo’s Fleet and Operated Aircraft
Currently, Lufthansa Cargo operates 12 B777-200F aircraft and 4 A321-200(P2F) aircraft through Lufthansa CityLine.
