Lufthansa Cargo will deploy two medium-haul Airbus A321s which have been permanently converted into freighters for cargo-only service on European continental routes. The freighter aircraft will be operated by Lufthansa CityLine on behalf of Lufthansa Cargo from early 2022.
On Wednesday (July 7, 2021), Lufthansa announced that Lufthansa Cargo has deployed two Airbus A321s which have been permanently converted into freighters. The medium-haul aircraft will be based in Frankfurt and operated by Lufthansa CityLine on behalf of Lufthansa Cargo for continental cargo-only service in Europe from the beginning of 2022. The converted aircraft will receive large cargo doors enabling the transport of containers on the main deck, as well as in the cargo hold. The growth of cross-border shipments is currently forecast to expand at approximately 20 percent per year over the next five years, as consumers expect shorter delivery times, and Lufthansa Cargo’s new freighters will add capacity for increasing demand for airfreight connections in Europe.
Commenting on the addition of the A321 converted freighters, Lufthansa Cargo’s CEO, Dorothea von Boxberg, said,
“Lufthansa Cargo wants to offer customers in the eCommerce segment fast intra-European connections. With the converted A321s, we are meeting our customers' growing demand for same-day solutions and further strengthening our dense network of global connections as well as our product offering. The selected aircraft type can transport 28t per flight, significantly larger cargo volumes than in the short-haul bellies of passenger aircraft. In addition to forwarders, integrators and postal operators, eCommerce providers will be customers for this offering.”
Also commenting on the added cargo capacity, Lufthansa CityLine’s Managing Director, Steffen Harbarth, added,
“With more than 60 years of experience in European air transport, Lufthansa CityLine stands for reliable and efficient operations as an important partner in the Lufthansa Group. Flexibility in operations and speed in identifying and implementing new opportunities are the foundation of our business. We want to use these qualities to serve Lufthansa Cargo and its customers.”
The Airbus A321 Passenger-to-Freight (A321P2F) converted freighters offer a payload capacity of 28 tons with a range of 3,500 kilometers (1,890 nautical miles). As previously mentioned, the conversion will allow standardized cargo pallets to be loaded on the main deck, as well as in the cargo hold. The Airbus A321 is one of the most versatile aircraft in its class, allowing for efficient continental operations.
Source: Lufthansa
Commentaires