Lufthansa Cargo, a key player in the airfreight industry, recently announced a significant expansion in its international flight offerings, focused on key markets in Asia, Africa, and Mexico.
Winter Flight Schedule 2023/2024: Key Highlights
- The new winter schedule for 2023/2024 boasts 83 weekly B777F connections.
- Frequency enhancements to key markets include Tel Aviv, Cairo, Hong Kong, and Mexico City.
- In addition, Riyadh and Taipei are noteworthy inclusions to Lufthansa Cargo’s flight schedule.
- By the year’s close, Lufthansa Cargo will see the capacity marketing of 17 Boeing 777F aircraft.
- September will witness the expansion of the medium-haul route network, fortified by the addition of a fourth Airbus A321 freighter.
Rising Demand Drives Expansion
The rising demand in select global markets motivates the increase. Lufthansa Cargo’s three weekly B777 freighter services will operate from October to Tel Aviv and Cairo. Notably, the Hong Kong connection will get a boost. Lufthansa Cargo is increasing its frequency from six to seven weekly flights via Mumbai.
Lufthansa Cargo’s strategic decision to introduce two new freighter destinations—Riyadh and Taipei—is notable. Interestingly, Taipei will be a fresh addition to the global route network, while Riyadh will see a reconnection. The airline had discontinued service in 2020.
The increase in weekly connections to Mexico City is a nod to the robust demand. This year’s winter flight schedule will rise from six to seven weekly freighter rotations. Notably, as of July, all freighter flights operate from the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU). Strategic infrastructure implementations, including truck shuttle services, have been established for efficient shipment transfers.
Lufthansa Cargo remains committed to its proven weekly routes, covering eight destinations in the U.S. and Canada and another six in South America.
Fourth A321 Freighter Enters Service
The scheduled inclusion of the fourth Airbus A321 freighter in September is all set to add further value to Lufthansa Cargo’s short- and medium-haul segment, ensuring a comprehensive global offering.
Air Freight Insights From CEO
Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, explained the reasoning for the expansion. “The market for airfreight is and remains volatile, but Asia and Mexico continue to be attractive, economically strong regions for us. The additional capacity of our 17th Boeing 777F in our long-haul fleet offers opportunities to specifically adapt the flight offering to the needs of our customers in these markets”
The 2023/2024 winter schedule will be open for bookings from October 8th and will be effective from October 29th. Apart from its specialized freighter offering, Lufthansa Cargo also leverages the cargo capacity of over 6,000 weekly flights operated by the Lufthansa Group’s airlines: Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, and the Lufthansa Turkish Airlines joint venture SunExpress.