Lufthansa deploys two Airbus A321s completely transformed into freighters
These aircraft are operated by Lufthansa CityLine on behalf of Lufthansa Cargo and are stationed in Frankfurt.
- Medium-haul aircraft are used as pure cargo aircraft on continental routes in Europe.
- Aircraft have cargo doors so that containers can also be transported on the main deck.
- Cargo planes are operated by Lufthansa CityLine.
Lufthansa Cargo is investing in expanding its freight capacities. From the beginning of 2022, the company will offer its customers additional capacities in Europe through the permanent conversion of Airbus 321 passenger aircraft into freighters. For this purpose, the twin-engine medium-haul aircraft will have large cargo doors so that containers can also be transported on the main deck. Initially, the conversion of two Airbus aircraft is planned. These aircraft are operated by Lufthansa CityLine on behalf of Lufthansa Cargo. You will be stationed in Frankfurt.
Cross-border e-commerce shipments are projected to grow at around 20% per year over the next five years. Consumers expect ever shorter delivery times for their ordered goods. This also increases the demand for air freight connections within Europe.
“Lufthansa Cargo wants to offer customers in the eCommerce segment fast connections within Europe. With the converted A321, we are meeting the increasing demand from our customers for same-day solutions and are further strengthening our dense network of global connections and our product range, ”says Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “At 28 tonnes per flight, the chosen type of aircraft can transport significantly larger amounts of cargo than in the short-haul bellies of passenger aircraft. In addition to freight forwarders, integrators and postal operators, customers of this offer will also be eCommerce providers, ”said von Boxberg.
“With more than 60 years of experience in European air traffic, Lufthansa CityLine is an important partner of the Lufthansa Group for reliable and efficient operations. Flexibility in operation and speed in identifying and implementing new opportunities are the basis of our business. We want to use these qualities for Lufthansa Cargo and its customers, ”says Steffen Harbarth, Managing Director of Lufthansa CityLine.
The Airbus A321 (A321P2F) converted into freighters offer a payload of 28 tons with a range of 3,500 kilometers. The conversion also enables standardized freight pallets to be used on the main deck. The twin-engine Airbus A321 is one of the most versatile aircraft in its class and enables very efficient continental operations.
