Lufthansa Cargo plans to invest €600 million (US$664 million) to modernize its cargo hub at Frankfurt Airport.

The cargo carrier is focusing on a comprehensive modernization by 2030, which will make the Lufthansa Cargo Center (LCC) Europe's most modern airfreight hub.

 [Source: Lufthansa Cargo]

The investment is a step forward in developing its central cargo hub at Frankfurt Airport, and construction has already begun.

"Lufthansa Cargo enables global business and connects world markets in a more sustainable way. The 'LCCevo' project represents our drive for growth and excellence," said Ashwin Bhat, chief executive officer of Lufthansa Cargo.

"In times of global tensions and changing customer demands, we need innovative solutions that meet our, our customers' and society's needs. This is only possible with a modern infrastructure."

"For our customers, we want to optimize efficiency and quality and make our service even faster and more seamless. For our employees, we want to create attractive and future-proof jobs for the next generations in our newly designed 'Home of Cargo'," Bhatt added, noting that at the same time, 'LCCevo' underscores our strong ties to Lufthansa's home base and strengthens Frankfurt Airport's role as a central cargo hub in Europe.

"This investment by the Lufthansa Group is a clear commitment to the Frankfurt location and symbolizes our confidence in the long-term future of the airfreight business," said Michael Niggemann, member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

"This flagship project makes our cargo business at the Frankfurt hub fit for the future. It increases quality and efficiency for customers, creates sustainable jobs for our colleagues, and enables even more environmentally friendly ground processes."

Niggemann noted that at the same time, Lufthansa is making a significant contribution to the performance of airfreight in the heart of Europe and thus enabling global traffic for our economy.

"This is an impressive example of how investments in modern and sustainable infrastructure strengthen our state in the long term. Lufthansa Cargo is sending an important signal for innovation and competitiveness at Frankfurt Airport," commented R. Alexander Lorz, Hessian Minister of Finance.

"Here in Hesse, where the automotive sector, the pharmaceutical industry and medical technology play a central role, the connection provided by Lufthansa Cargo is an indispensable gateway to the global market."

Kaweh Mansoori, Hessian Minister for Economics, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas, said separately that the last few years have shown just how important cargo traffic is in addition to passenger traffic.

"The key to remaining competitive in this dynamic environment is an efficient and modern infrastructure. With the modernization of its cargo center, Lufthansa Cargo, the largest cargo carrier at Frankfurt Airport, is helping to further strengthen airfreight at the location," he said.

"The challenges of the future will be mastered by using the latest technologies and intelligent solutions. At the same time, this is a clear signal for the economic strength and sustainable development of our region and strengthens the position of Frankfurt Airport as an important hub," Mansoori further said.

Since its opening in 1982, the LCC has been in continuous operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has played a central role in global airfreight traffic ever since.

The modernization program includes the gradual renewal of all central functions by 2030, including cargo handling facilities, storage and conveyor technology, building technology, administrative buildings and IT systems. With a total area of around 330,000 m² - the equivalent of around 46 football pitches - it is one of the largest airfreight hubs in Europe.

Lufthansa Cargo is carrying out this ambitious project without interrupting operations.

The construction work is being carried out in sections so that daily operations can continue undisturbed.

During the current construction phase, Lufthansa Cargo is renovating or building new facilities in an area of around 55,000 m².

A notable milestone is the construction of a 42-meter high-bay warehouse, which will be the second-highest building at Frankfurt Airport.