Lufthansa Cargo’s Medium-Haul Network with A321 Freighters

Starting March 1, Lufthansa Cargo customers will have the option to book their freight on converted A321 medium-haul freighters. From March 15, Lufthansa Cargo will gradually expand its global route network to include Istanbul (IST), Tel Aviv (TLV), Malta (MLA), Tunis (TUN), Dublin (DUB), and Manchester (MAN). Cairo (CAI) will also be added in the summer.

(Frankfurt/Main) The partially new stations in the freighter network will be served two to three times a week from and to Frankfurt (FRA). The commercial maiden flight will be operated by the A321F from Frankfurt to Dublin on March 15, 2022. This move responds to the continuing increase in demand from the eCommerce sector and allows Lufthansa Cargo to offer customers even more capacity and additional fast connections.

“With the newly acquired medium-haul freighters, we are opening up a whole new strategic business area. The A321F will provide attractive same-day and eCommerce solutions within Europe and to selected medium-haul destinations, and the new network represents a significant step towards the rapidly growing eCommerce sector,” explains Ashwin Bhat, Executive Board Member for Product and Sales at Lufthansa Cargo. “On one hand, available capacities in the global air freight market remain tight, while on the other hand, end consumers expect short delivery times for their ordered goods. With the converted aircraft, we can close this gap and continue to reliably and quickly provide our customers with the necessary capacities – and with the quality and expertise for which Lufthansa Cargo is known.”

28 Tons Payload per Aircraft

The conversion of the first aircraft with the registration D-AEUC has already been completed. Among other modifications, the floor has been reinforced, a roller system for moving freight has been installed, and a large cargo door has been added. In total, Lufthansa Cargo customers will have access to 14 pallet and container positions on the main deck and 10 in the lower deck per aircraft. This results in a payload of 28 tons per aircraft. The second medium-haul freighter is expected to be put into service in late summer.

Fast Loading and Unloading

Both aircraft will be operated under a wet lease agreement by Lufthansa CityLine, each under the flight number of Lufthansa Cargo. Lufthansa CityLine, as a company of the Lufthansa Group, has worked intensively on the technical and operational preparations for this first converted A321 freighter. The twin-engine Airbus A321 is one of the most versatile aircraft in its class: With the ability to transport containers on the main deck, it offers fast loading and unloading, enabling a very efficient flight operation.

Photo: © Lufthansa Cargo