Lufthansa Cargo reports robust growth and network enhancements
Lufthansa Cargo continues to strengthen. For the first nine months of 2025, its logistics segment reported an adjusted EBIT of €184m, representing a 254% increase compared with the previous year. Capacity rose 6%, sales (RCTK) increased 8%, the load factor improved to 62.5%, and yields were up 0.9%. At group level, the cargo business achieved ACTK up 6%, RCTK up 7%, a load factor of 57.8%, and traffic revenue of €2,699m (up 8%).
The carrier has also expanded its network and partnerships: since 1 September, Lufthansa Cargo has begun marketing freight capacity from ITA Airways' Rome hub, via routes including Delhi, Tokyo-Haneda and Bangkok, establishing Rome as a southern European cargo hub and opening additional global destinations.
In late August, a new e-booking portal was launched, reducing standard-shipment booking times by roughly half, reflecting the carrier's focus on digital process optimisation.
Lufthansa Cargo also announced plans to merge its ecommerce/customs brokerage units, heyworld and CB Customs Broker, into a single company on 1 January 2026. The combined entity will provide "an integrated end-to-end cross-border logistics solution for high-volume parcel shipments, combining customs-clearance expertise with digital transport services". The new company will be co-led by Murat Odabas (formerly of CB Customs Broker) and Nikola Todic (formerly of heyworld). The move will position Lufthansa Cargo, it said, to become a one-stop logistics provider in the fast-growing ecommerce space.
Etihad Cargo expands network for winter
Etihad Cargo is gearing up for winter with a larger freighter programme, adding new routes and increased frequency across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Highlights include a new twice-weekly service to the UK’s East Midlands Airport, additional flights to key production hubs in Asia (Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Ezhou) and added freighter frequencies to Riyadh, Paris CDG and Frankfurt. Chief cargo officer Stanislas Brun said the enhancements reflected the company’s aim to give customers “more ways to move their goods with reliability and care”.
Korean Air to join A350F programme
Korean Air is set to add the newly launched freighter variant A350F from Airbus, converting seven existing orders for A350-1000s. The airline’s current orderbook includes 20 A350-1000s, six A350-900s (two already delivered) and 39 A321neo single-aisles.
Cargojet launches direct Canada–Europe service
Cargojet is launching a direct cargo service linking Canada and Europe via Liege Airport (LGG) starting tomorrow. The weekly route will connect Liege with Canada’s major freight gateways, allowing forwarders and shippers to benefit from faster transits, improved flexibility and enhanced network integration with Cargojet’s domestic overnight system, said the airline. The carrier plans to increase frequency in line with demand growth.
Chapman Freeborn opens Zhengzhou office
Global air-charter broker Chapman Freeborn, part of Avia Solutions Group, has officially opened a new office in Zhengzhou, its sixth location in China, joining Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hong Kong.
The new office, inaugurated on 13 October, follows the recruitment of its team last month and underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market, where it has operated since 2004, it said.
President Greater China Allen Liu said the Zhengzhou base would “enhance regional service capabilities and boost response times”. The office is positioned near Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport — a hub for outsized and e-commerce cargo — and close to Zhengzhou East Railway Station and major operators such as SF Express and Cargolux.
Led by Huizi (Bella) Zhao, manager Central Greater China, the team will expand Chapman Freeborn’s partner network across Central China, “strengthen freight-forwarding operations, and ensure timely, high-quality project delivery”, it added.
Source: The Load Star
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