Lufthansa Cargo launches operations at first phase of state-of-the-art air cargo hub as scheduled

Today, Lufthansa Cargo celebrated the completion of the ALPHA construction phase of its “LCCevo” infrastructure project at Frankfurt Airport, alongside guests from politics, business, and aviation. With the completion of the first and most important construction phase, this comprehensive modernization has reached a decisive milestone. Spanning approximately 80,000 square meters – equivalent to about 11 soccer fields – Lufthansa Cargo is renovating its entire Frankfurt cargo hub while maintaining 24/7 operations. The infrastructure project aims to transform the Lufthansa Cargo Center (LCC) into Europe’s most modern air cargo hub by 2030, with a total investment of approximately 600 million euros.

Modern technology for maximum efficiency

At the core of the new infrastructure are intelligent material flow and conveyor systems that seamlessly connect all process steps, ensuring a significantly more efficient flow of goods. The facilities include a fully automated, 42-meter-high high-bay warehouse with nearly 3,000 storage slots for large cargo pallets and a state-of-the-art automated pallet warehouse for temperature-sensitive and specialized shipments. The high-bay warehouse alone will enable more than 300 storage and retrieval operations per hour, doubling capacity.

From Project to Performance

"With the launch of phase ALPHA, a vision is becoming a reality," said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. "LCCevo is one of the most significant investments in our company's history and a clear commitment to Frankfurt as an air cargo hub. Lufthansa Cargo handles nearly every second metric ton of air cargo at Frankfurt Airport. That is why we are making targeted investments in our hub and its long-term performance capabilities. With intelligent cargo flows, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and automated processes, we are creating the conditions necessary to continue meeting the demands of global markets. In doing so, we are strengthening our and Germany´s competitiveness, laying the groundwork for further growth.”

Clear commitment to Frankfurt as a hub

“Our investment of €600 million in the new LCCevo air cargo center is an important contribution to strengthening our leading position in the air cargo business and to the long-term success of the Lufthansa Group. We are investing in both modern cargo infrastructure and the largest fleet modernization program in our history. The close integration of passenger and cargo operations is a key strength of the Lufthansa Group. The optimal utilization and marketing of the cargo capacity of our passenger aircraft and freighter fleet make this successful business model possible,” said Dr. Michael Niggemann, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “LCCevo is another step toward the future of this successful business model. With this investment, we are strengthening Frankfurt as one of our most important international hubs and investing in the long-term performance of a location that is of central importance for connecting Germany to global markets. This is a clear commitment to Frankfurt, Hesse and Germany as a business location.”

Vital link for the economy and supply chains

“Frankfurt Airport is the heart of European air cargo logistics. Its leading position is inseparably linked to Lufthansa Cargo. For decades, the company has shaped the location and made a significant contribution to establishing Hesse as one of Europe’s leading logistics regions. With investments such as LCCevo, Lufthansa Cargo clearly reaffirms its commitment to Frankfurt and to Hesse. The project strengthens the competitiveness of our aviation hub, accelerates processes, and creates the conditions for Frankfurt to remain one of the world’s most important air cargo hubs in the future. Modern infrastructure is the foundation for growth, high-quality jobs, and sustainable value creation. This is why the Hessian Ministry of Economic Affairs has closely accompanied and supported the project from the very beginning,” said Kaweh Mansoori, Hessian Minister for Economic Affairs and Transport and Deputy Minister-President.

"Air freight is indispensable for many key industries in Germany, from pharmaceuticals and mechanical engineering to future-oriented sectors such as semiconductors," said Stefan Schnorr, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport. "For our companies, reliable, secure, and fast access to international markets is of crucial importance. That is why the federal government welcomes the Lufthansa Group’s clear commitment to Germany as an air cargo hub, as well as its comprehensive and innovative investments in the future of the Frankfurt hub. Projects like LCCevo strengthen the performance of air cargo and, at the same time, the competitiveness of our country."

The future begins now

On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, the Lufthansa Group is reflecting on its history while looking to the future. With LCCevo, Lufthansa Cargo is laying an important foundation for the coming decades. What began in 1926 with the founding of the first Lufthansa and, from the very beginning, included the transportation of mail and cargo, has evolved into a global network connecting people, cultures, and economies. As one of the world’s leading air cargo providers, Lufthansa Cargo makes a significant contribution to this through its mission, “Enabling Global Business.”

In the coming years, further construction phases BRAVO and CHARLIE will follow, transforming the Lufthansa Cargo Center into Europe’s most modern air cargo hub by 2030. In addition to efficiency and performance, sustainability will also play a central role. Photovoltaic systems will be installed on approximately 19,000 square meters of roof space. Modern building technology, intelligent heat recovery systems, and extensive green roofs will help reduce energy consumption and emissions.