Lufthansa Cargo has unveiled its ambitious winter timetable for 2024/2025. It reveals a significant expansion of its global network and suggests the carrier is flexing to meet the evolving needs of its cargo clientele worldwide.
The new schedule, set to take effect on October 27, 2024, introduces 89 weekly B777F freighter connections, marking a notable increase of seven flights compared to the summer timetable.
First Asian-US Connection
A highlight of the winter schedule is the introduction of a new transpacific flight. This weekly rotation connects Frankfurt to Los Angeles via Ho Chi Minh City using a B777F freighter.
This establishes Lufthansa Cargo’s first direct link between the Asian market and its U.S. network. This strategic move promises to deliver faster, high-quality connections between the two continents. It underlines the carrier’s dedication to its purpose of “Enabling Global Business” in an increasingly dynamic market environment.
Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, emphasized the company’s proactive approach to network optimization. “Lufthansa Cargo is constantly reviewing all possibilities to offer its customers seamless, high-quality connections and to enable global business even more efficiently and sustainably.”
“With a comprehensive review of our existing schedule and network, we have been able to optimize our rotations. In the future, some of our freighters will have fewer stopovers, allowing our customers to benefit from direct connection and transportation of their freight within our global network.”
Increased Frequencies to India and China
The expansion of services is not limited to new routes. Lufthansa Cargo is also increasing frequencies to key destinations in India and China, responding to the continued growth in e-commerce shipments and other goods that require the carrier’s renowned quality services and solutions.
This increase in capacity is largely facilitated by the recent addition of the 18th B777F freighter to the fleet, which was transferred from the Boeing plant in Seattle to Frankfurt in mid-August.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the carrier is boosting its presence significantly. Mumbai and Taipei will each receive one additional weekly freighter flight.
Chennai will be served twice weekly, strategically combined with either Hyderabad or Mumbai. The recent inclusion of Shenzhen and Zhengzhou in the route network further strengthens Lufthansa Cargo’s foothold in Asia, bringing the total weekly frequencies to the region to an impressive 50.
Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa are also benefiting from the expanded services. The freighter rotation from Frankfurt via Tel Aviv to Cairo will see an increase of one weekly flight using a B777F, enhancing connectivity between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Europe
While long-haul routes see significant expansion, the continental network remains largely stable. The A321F fleet will operate up to 34 weekly medium-haul and short-haul flights. These will connect the two German hubs of Frankfurt and Munich.
Since July, this fleet has been offering cargo customers in southern Germany a direct connection from Munich to Istanbul and back. This service further improves regional connectivity.
Beyond its dedicated freighter services, the operator also leverages passenger aircraft. Lufthansa Cargo continues to utilize the belly capacity of passenger flights operated by Lufthansa Group airlines.
This includes marketing the cargo capacity of up to 7,500 flights per week to over 350 destinations. These are served by Group carriers Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, and SunExpress.
Conclusion
The summer of 2024 saw the introduction of numerous new connections to North America, such as routes from Frankfurt to Raleigh-Durham and Minneapolis, further expanding the network’s reach.
The global economy continues to evolve, with e-commerce and just-in-time logistics playing increasingly crucial roles. Lufthansa Cargo’s expanded winter schedule demonstrates its commitment to meeting these challenges head-on.
By offering more frequent flights, direct connections, and an optimized network, the carrier is further positioning itself as a key enabler of global trade. Customers can begin booking flights on the new Winter 2024/2025 schedule from October 6, 2024, allowing ample time for logistics planning and optimization.
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