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The air freight industry is facing significant changes driven by geopolitical developments and shifting trade flows. Ashwin Bhat (left), CEO of Lufthansa Cargo AG, addressed this in a presentation at the Aircargo Club Deutschland (ACD). He emphasized the need for clear leadership and decisive action in a market characterized by uncertainties.
Investments in the future
Lufthansa Cargo is responding to market challenges with targeted investments. A new freight hub is being constructed at the Frankfurt location, for which the Lufthansa Group is allocating around 600 million EUR. This represents the company’s largest investment outside the aircraft sector and is expected to have long-term effects on the efficiency and capacity of the company. Bhat stated, “Globalization is not over; it is just changing. Trade flows will find their ways – what matters is how we are positioned for that.”
In addition to infrastructure development, Lufthansa Cargo plans to further expand its offerings and partnerships. The integration of ITA Airways will increase the available belly capacity by about 20%, equivalent to the capacity of three additional freighters. Collaboration with Swiss WorldCargo will also be intensified to achieve a more unified market presence. Furthermore, the subsidiaries Lufthansa Cargo Customs Broker and Heyworld will be merged to optimize internal structures and make processes more efficient.
The importance of networks
ACD President Prof. Dr. Christopher Stoller underscored the relevance of personal contacts in the air freight industry. He emphasized that direct exchange and reliable networks are particularly crucial in times of change. Air freight remains a “People’s Business,” reliant on relationships and trust to operate successfully even in challenging times.
The Aircargo Club Deutschland, founded in 1963, serves as a platform for exchange and promotion of air freight traffic. With around 200 members holding leading positions in the industry, the ACD represents a dynamic sector that supports international trade and strengthens connections between people and countries.
