Demand in the global air cargo market is currently weaker than in the two previous record years. In light of this, Lufthansa Cargo has announced that it will adjust its schedule in order to reduce its overall offering for the second and third quarters, last extended in late March. “This will allow the company to ensure profitable load factors and continued deployment of its aircraft at optimum levels going forward as well,” the company said in a statement.

“We have traditionally taken a flexible approach to the flight programme for our freighter fleet to suit customer requirements. This has allowed us to respond quickly to normalizing demand in the market so that our operations remain cost-effective,” said Peter Gerber, CEO and chairman of the executive board of Lufthansa Cargo. “We will continue to closely observe market developments and to flexibly adapt our supply in line with demand.”

Services will be cut across the entire flight programme in line with trends in demand. Regional Lufthansa Cargo offices will inform their customers of the changes in good time. The mid-year adjustment to the flights offered is also in keeping with the planned rollover from the MD-11F freighter to the Boeing 777F jet; 2019 should see significant progress in this regard. Two new Boeing 777F aircraft were already integrated into the Lufthansa Cargo fleet in the spring. The changes to the schedule will also pave the way for the final withdrawal from service of two MD-11F freighters by the end of the year.