During last week’s Supervisory Board meeting in Germany, the board announced plans to build a new logistics center in Frankfurt. This piece of news was overshadowed by last week’s announcement that Lufthansa will consolidate their germanwings and direct services into one Low Cost Carrier(LCC) next year, but it comes as great news for Lufthansa Cargo.
The plan calls for the replacement of the current facility to be completed and in operation by 2018. The current facility has been in use for over 30 years so it makes sense that a new and technologically superior facility be built.
A major motivation behind the decision to improve Cargo facilities was Lufthansa’s desire to become more efficient and competitive with their cargo business in light of night-flight ban in effect in Frankfurt which prevents air traffic from arriving or departing during over-night hours.
I really am excited about this decision because by making the “mid triple digit million euro” commitment, it confirms that Lufthansa Cargo is confident that it can make adjustments in it’s logistics that will allow it to remain competitive in spite of the challenges they face with the night-flight ban.
The new facility will be built where the current Lufthansa Cargo facility is located (north side of the airport) and construction is expected to begin in 2014. Current Cargo operations will not be affected by the construction.
Looks like we’ll continue to see the current MD-11’s and the new 777 Freighters (deliveries start in 2013) at Frankfurt for years to come.
Artist rendering of the new facility:
Courtesy: Lufthansa Cargo
