Lufthansa Cargo

What Lufthansa Cargo does

Lufthansa Cargo AG is a German-registered cargo airline and wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, operating one of the world's largest scheduled air freight networks from its Frankfurt headquarters. It transports cargo across more than 350 destinations in approximately 100 countries via five European cargo hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels, Vienna, Rome) and an integrated ground transport fleet of 2,150 trucks. Its dedicated fleet comprises 18 Boeing 777F long-haul freighters and 4 Airbus A321F narrowbody freighters, supplemented by belly capacity on Lufthansa Group passenger carriers (Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, ITA Airways, SunExpress) operating more than 7,000 weekly flights.

The product portfolio spans ten core cargo products (General Cargo, Dangerous Goods, Active Temp Control, Passive Temp Support, Perishables, Live Animals, Valuables, Vulnerables, Emergency, Airmail), three time-definite speed tiers (td.Pro, td.Flash, td.Zoom), and eight add-on services including Sustainable Choice (SAF-linked carbon offset), smartULD real-time container tracking, toDoor bonded-warehouse delivery, and Personal Supervision for fine arts. Digital infrastructure includes eBooking, eTracking, eFreight, and eAWB Data Capture platforms accessible via a public developer API at developer.lufthansa-cargo.com, with localized support in seven languages. The 2026 launch of GlobeCross GmbH — formed by merging heyworld GmbH and CB Customs Broker GmbH — extends the offering into end-to-end cross-border e-commerce logistics, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery from Frankfurt Airport. Operational technology includes Tracteasy autonomous driverless tugs operating 24/7 at the Frankfurt Cargo Center since November 2025, VR-based training for aircraft loading supervisors deployed from October 2025, and AI-assisted booking and demand forecasting systems.

Revenue is generated primarily through freight transaction fees (per kilogram/volume on dedicated freighter and belly capacity), recurring value-added service subscriptions (temperature control, time-definite speed, insurance, tracking), and transactional road feeder service fees. Lufthansa Cargo employs 4,322 people, reported a 29% increase in adjusted EBIT in 2025, and has re-entered the global top 5 air freight providers ahead of schedule. Customer concentration is spread across pharmaceutical, automotive, high-tech/semiconductors, perishables, e-commerce, and general freight segments, with named enterprise partnerships including SHEIN and CEVA Logistics on sustainable aviation fuel initiatives. Pricing is transaction-based with country-of-origin currency settlement and surcharge layers, executed through enterprise field sales with dedicated account managers, a global station network, and direct digital booking via the eServices portal.

Name

Lufthansa Cargo

Legal name

Lufthansa Cargo AG

Website

https://lufthansa-cargo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Lufthansa Cargo AG is a German cargo airline and wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, operating 18 Boeing 777F and 4 Airbus A321F freighters plus belly capacity across 350+ destinations in 100 countries. It serves pharmaceutical, automotive, semiconductor, and e-commerce shippers via five European hubs and integrated digital cargo platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Air Cargo and Freight Logistics

NAICS

Scheduled Freight Air Transportation (481112), Scheduled Air Transportation (48111), Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510)

SIC

Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Scheduled Air Cargo Airlines (All-Cargo Carriers) (THABAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Perishables & Fresh Produce Forwarding (Food/Seafood/Floral) (TLACAJAA), E-commerce Air Cargo Carriers (TLADAAAK), Aviation Ground Handling & Air Cargo Operations (EDAOANAM)

Keywords

• Air cargo transportation
• Freight forwarding
• Pharmaceutical logistics
• Cold chain shipping
• Air freight services

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfurt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Freight Transportation Services: Core revenue from transporting cargo via dedicated freighter aircraft (Boeing 777F, Airbus A321F) and passenger belly capacity across global routes. Revenue is earned through freight charges based on weight, volume, and service level.
2. Value-Added Services: Additional revenue from add-on services including temperature control (Active Temp Control, Passive Temp Support), speed options (td.Flash, td.Pro, td.Zoom), insurance, personal supervision, and door-to-door delivery
3. Road Feeder Service: Ground transportation services using 2,150 trucks for onward delivery in Europe and North America, integrated with flight schedules

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Lufthansa Cargo AG operates a global air freight airline transporting general cargo, dangerous goods, temperature-controlled (pharmaceutical and perishable) shipments, valuables, vulnerables, live animals, and emergency or airmail consignments via 18 Boeing 777F and 4 Airbus A321F dedicated freighters plus passenger belly capacity. Services are supported by digital booking/tracking platforms (eBooking, eTracking, eFreight, eAWB Data Capture), time-definite speed tiers (td.Pro, td.Flash, td.Zoom), a road feeder network, and vertical solutions for pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, automotive, and e-commerce.

Product overview

Lufthansa Cargo is one of the world's leading cargo airlines and a subsidiary of Lufthansa Group, operating a comprehensive air freight platform offering cargo transport across more than 350 destinations in approximately 100 countries through five European hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels, Vienna, Rome). The portfolio comprises 10 core cargo products (General Cargo, Dangerous Goods, Active Temp Control, Passive Temp Support, Perishables, Live Animals, Valuables, Vulnerables, Emergency, Airmail), three speed tiers (td.Pro, td.Flash, td.Zoom), and eight add-on services (Sustainable Choice, toDoor, Personal Supervision, Insurance, smartULD, Customer-owned Tracker, Quick drop-off/pick-up). Digital capabilities include eBooking, eTracking, eFreight, and eAWB Data Capture platforms accessible via API. Recent initiatives include GlobeCross subsidiary for cross-border e-commerce logistics and autonomous transport systems at Frankfurt hub.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GlobeCross: A digital service for end-to-end e-commerce logistics, customs clearance, and cross-border shipment capabilities, launched as a wholly owned subsidiary in May 2026.
• td.Pro
• td.Flash
• td.Zoom
• smartULD
• Sustainable Choice
• toDoor
• eBooking
• eTracking
• eFreight

Products and services

• General Cargo Standard logistics solution for transporting regular cargo shipments without special handling requirements, available across the global Lufthansa Cargo network.
• Dangerous Goods Expert handling of hazardous materials from booking through delivery, compliant with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR).
• Active Temp Control Temperature-controlled transport using heated and refrigerated containers for pharmaceutical, biotech, and other temperature-sensitive cargo.
• Passive Temp Support Temperature protection solutions using insulation materials for sensitive cargo that does not require active cooling.
• Perishables Fast and precise handling of time-sensitive perishable goods including food products, flowers, and other items with limited shelf life.
• Live Animals Specialized animal transport services with species-appropriate handling and welfare-focused procedures throughout the journey.
• Valuables Secure transport and handling of high-value precious cargo including gold, jewelry, and precious metals with enhanced protection and discretion.
• Vulnerables Specialized handling for goods at risk of theft including electronics, luxury goods, and other high-risk items requiring secure transport.
• Emergency Expedited high-speed logistics for urgent shipments requiring immediate transport and priority handling.
• Airmail Worldwide postal transport services for mail and postal items from origin to destination.
• td.Pro Economical speed option for standard cargo shipments, providing reliable delivery times at competitive pricing.
• td.Flash Priority speed service for higher-priority shipments requiring faster transit times and expedited handling.
• td.Zoom Top-priority speed service for most urgent shipments requiring immediate attention and fastest possible delivery.
• Sustainable Choice Carbon offset service allowing customers to contribute to CO2 emission reduction for their flights, supporting sustainable aviation fuel initiatives.
• toDoor Direct delivery service to bonded warehouses, streamlining customs clearance and reducing handling effort for customers.
• Personal Supervision Dedicated escort service for Fine Arts shipments, with specialists accompanying cargo through ground handling processes.
• Insurance Comprehensive air freight insurance coverage from door to door, providing protection against loss, damage, and delays.
• smartULD Real-time tracking and monitoring service for active temperature-controlled containers, providing visibility into shipment conditions.
• Customer-owned Tracker Integration service allowing customers to attach their own tracking devices to shipments for enhanced precision in cargo monitoring.
• eBooking Online booking platform enabling customers to create, manage, and track shipments digitally with smart offers and intuitive interface.
• eTracking Shipment tracking platform providing real-time status updates, flight information, and instant alerts for cargo movements.
• eFreight Paperless cargo processing solution enabling digital documentation and electronic data interchange for streamlined operations.
• eAWB Data Capture Web-based electronic air waybill data capture functionality enabling digital management of MAWB/HAWB data with real-time quality checks, templates, and address book integration.
• Quick drop-off/Quick pick-up Streamlined truck drop-off and pickup service with unique shipment codes, pre-registered drivers, and faster documentation processing at FRA, MUC, ATL, LAX, JFK, and ORD stations.
• GlobeCross Wholly owned subsidiary providing end-to-end cross-border e-commerce logistics, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery services from Frankfurt Airport under an asset-light model formed through the merger of heyworld GmbH and CB Customs Broker GmbH.
• Road Feeder Service (RFS) Road transportation service using 2,150 trucks integrated with flight schedules for ground delivery of cargo across Europe and North America.

Quantifiable outcome

• 29% operating profit growth in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• GlobeCross GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026New wholly owned subsidiary formed through merger of heyworld GmbH and CB Customs Broker GmbH, providing integrated cross-border logistics and customs services for eCommerce shipments. Operates from Frankfurt Airport under an asset-light model combining digital eCommerce logistics with over two decades of certified customs expertise.
• DHLminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 March 2026Collaboration on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives as part of SHEIN's GoGreen Plus service agreement. Lufthansa Cargo participating alongside Atlas Air and Air China Cargo in supporting SHEIN's carbon emissions reduction efforts.
• CEVA LogisticsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 November 2025Binding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) agreement extending until end of 2028, with CEVA Logistics committed to using SAF credited in 2025, expected to reduce approximately 8,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Both companies committed to decarbonization and sustainable logistics solutions with transparent emission reduction confirmation via audited Emission Mitigation Certificates.
• SHEINmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 August 2025Memorandum of Understanding signed to explore sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives for air freight deliveries. Lufthansa Cargo to provide verified sustainability certificates documenting emission reductions from SAF use in SHEIN deliveries. Partnership focuses on reducing carbon footprint across SHEIN's delivery network.
• ITA AirwaysmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarketing capacity partnership providing access to ITA Airways cargo capacity, expanding Lufthansa Cargo's network presence and market position.
• Swiss WorldCargocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegration of Swiss WorldCargo into Lufthansa Cargo operations while maintaining both brands. Includes aligning services, shipment flows, and IT systems to improve operational efficiency and customer experience as part of broader cargo division streamlining efforts.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cargolux: Luxembourg-based all-cargo carrier operating a dedicated 747 freighter fleet globally. Direct competitor in scheduled air freight with comparable product portfolio (general cargo, pharma, perishables, dangerous goods) and similar Europe-centric hub model.
• Cathay Cargo: Cargo division of Cathay Pacific, operating dedicated freighters plus belly capacity from Hong Kong. Direct competitor in long-haul scheduled air cargo with overlapping pharma, e-commerce, and high-value verticals and similar freighter-plus-belly operating model.
• Emirates SkyCargo: Cargo arm of Emirates Group, operating dedicated 777F freighters plus extensive belly capacity from Dubai. Direct global competitor in scheduled air freight, particularly on Europe-Asia and intercontinental routes; a Gulf rival whose disruption Lufthansa Cargo has explicitly benefited from.
• Qatar Airways Cargo: Cargo division of Qatar Airways, operating a 777F and 747F freighter fleet plus belly capacity from Doha. Direct competitor in scheduled international air cargo with strong pharma and perishables offerings, comparable to Lufthansa Cargo's specialized vertical strategy.
• Korean Air Cargo: Cargo division of Korean Air, one of the largest air cargo operators globally with significant dedicated freighter and belly capacity. Direct peer on trans-Pacific and intra-Asia routes, with overlapping specialized handling for semiconductors and electronics.
• IAG Cargo: Cargo arm of International Airlines Group (British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, etc.). Direct competitor headquartered in Europe with similar belly-capacity-driven model, comparable customer base, and overlapping pharma and e-commerce focus areas.
• Air France KLM Cargo: Cargo division of Air France-KLM Group, operating dedicated freighters plus extensive belly capacity from Paris and Amsterdam hubs. Direct European peer with comparable product portfolio, pharma specialization, and overlapping global network reach.
• Air China Cargo: Chinese state-owned all-cargo carrier and cargo arm of Air China Group. Direct competitor on Asia-Europe and intra-Asia lanes, with comparable freighter-plus-belly model and growing presence in pharma and e-commerce verticals.

Broad incumbents

• DHL Aviation: Air freight arm of Deutsche Post DHL Group, operating a global integrator network combining air, ground, and customs capabilities. Broader incumbent competitor in air freight with significant dedicated capacity, particularly strong in express and integrator services that overlap with Lufthansa Cargo's high-value vertical strategy.
• FedEx Air Cargo: Air freight operations of FedEx Corporation, one of the largest global air cargo operators with dedicated freighter fleet and integrated ground network. Broad incumbent competitor offering scheduled and charter air freight services overlapping with Lufthansa Cargo's e-commerce, pharma, and general cargo offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lufthansa-cargo
• Facebookfacebook.com/lufthansacargoag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments3 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lufthansa Cargo