Freight Lufthansa to deploy two converted A321 freighters

Beginning in 2022, Lufthansa Cargo, the freight subsidiary of German carrier Lufthansa, will deploy two converted Airbus A321s on freight routes throughout its European network. The aircraft will be operated by regional carrier Lufthansa CityLine.

The decision to add two aircraft with smaller pay-load comes after the demand for European air freight rose since the begin of the pandemic. Furthermore, as the aircraft will be operating out of Frankfurt, one of the largest cargo hubs in Europe, the A321s will be used as feeder aircraft for Lufthansa´s 777 fleet, which will then bring the goods to destinations around the world.

Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, confirmed: "Lufthansa Cargo wants to offer customers in the eCommerce segment fast intra-European connections. With the converted A321s, we are meeting our customers' growing demand for same-day solutions and further strengthening our dense network of global connections as well as our product offering […] The selected aircraft type can transport 28t per flight, significantly larger cargo volumes than in the short-haul bellies of passenger aircraft. In addition to forwarders, integrators and postal operators, eCommerce providers will be customers for this offering," von Boxberg added.

Over the upcoming five years, Lufthansa Cargo expects eCommerce shipment numbers to rise for around 20 percent. As customers are expecting shorter delivery times for their shipments, Lufthansa will use these intra-European flights to minimize this time.

The A321 freighters will be converted as A321P2F and offer a payload of 28 tons, as stated by von Boxberg. The aircraft have a range of 3,500 kilometers and a new cargo door will be installed for smooth operations. This allows standardized cargo pallets to be loaded on the main deck.

Steffen Harbarth, Managing Director of Lufthansa CityLine, the operator airline of the A321 freighters, said: "With more than 60 years of experience in European air transport, Lufthansa City-Line stands for reliable and efficient operations as an important partner in the Lufthansa Group. Flexibility in operations and speed in identifying and implementing new opportunities are the foundation of our business. We want to use these qualities to serve Lufthansa Cargo and its customers."