Lufthansa Cargo increases its airfreight capacity with more 777F freighter orders
Lufthansa Cargo has ordered three Boeing 777F freighters and seven new-generation 777-8F freighters to increase its airfreight capacity.
In addition, leases for two Boeing 777F freighters, which run through 2024, will be extended for seven years each through 2031.
The first of the 777F aircraft, which could be acquired on the used market at short notice, is expected as early as July 2022. Two more new B777Fs will follow at a later date.
Delivery of the seven new B777-8Fs is expected at a later date between 2027 and 2030.
Currently, Lufthansa Cargo’s freighter fleet consists of a total of 15 Boeing 777Fs, four of which are operated by AeroLogic. In addition, there is the capacity of two A321 freighters and the belly capacity of passenger aircraft operated by Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings Discover.
Dorothea von Boxberg, chairperson of the executive Board and chief executive officer of Lufthansa Cargo, said: “We are very pleased that we have been able to set an important course for our future and the growth of Lufthansa Cargo with the decision to order ten additional widebody freighters. We can offer our customers significantly more capacity in the short and long term, and also ensure that we operate the most modern and efficient freighters in their class. The investments in the next freighter generation, the Boeing 777-8F, will significantly reduce CO2 emissions. We are thus taking another important step on our way to CO2-neutral airfreight.”
The Boeing 777-8F has a range of 8,167 km (4410 nautical miles) and a maximum payload of 118 metric tons. Compared to the 777F, it has 17% more cargo volume. The aircraft features two efficient GE9x engines from General Electric Aviation for low fuel consumption, low operating costs and lower emissions.
Lufthansa’s cargo business reported record performance in the first quarter of 2022.
2021 revenues increased by 38% year on year to €3.8bn.
In March, Lufthansa Cargo launched a new short- and medium-haul European freighter network.
