Lufthansa Cargo notches up 777F order book

Lufthansa Cargo has ordered and secured a 2021 delivery slot from Boeing for a 777F. With the new order, the carrier now expects to grow its own-operated 777F fleet to eleven units before the end of the year. Apart from the new-build delivery from Boeing, Lufthansa Cargo plans to lease a used 777F later this fall — likely to be an Emirates unit (35612) coming off lease around August. The new-build aircraft is slated to join the fleet before the year ends, suggesting Lufthansa Cargo secured a delivery slot that was not taken up by another customer. Lengthy lead times for new production freighter orders of two to three years are typically the norm. Silk Way West recently ordered five 777Fs and expects to take delivery between 2023 and 2027. However, order cancellations or deferrals regularly free up slots . Last month, LATAM Cargo canceled an outstanding order for a single 777F . While it has been Boeing’s practice to remarket canceled freighter orders , Lufthansa Cargo could not comment as to whether the aircraft had been destined for another operator. [caption id="attachment_416010" align="alignright" width="560"] Lufthansa Cargo will have eleven of its own 777Fs by the end of the year. (Photo/Lufthansa Cargo)[/caption] Other customers with 777Fs already in Boeing’s existing backlog include China Airlines, EVA Air and DHL Express. As additional 777F capacity is added, Lufthansa Cargo continues to phase out its MD-11F fleet, of which just three units remain and are expected to exit the fleet before year-end. In 2020, Lufthansa Cargo added two new 777Fs and removed three MD-11Fs (48801, 48782 and 48800) from service. A fourth MD-11F (48803) was withdrawn in February 2021, and is currently undergoing maintenance in San Antonio (SAT); it will follow units 48801, 48782 and 48800 in joining UPS Airlines’ fleet. Ahead of this year’s peak season, “a total of fifteen full-freighters will then be in service for Lufthansa Cargo's customers,” the carrier said in a release. While the incoming 777Fs will be operated by Lufthansa Cargo, the group, through its leasing affiliate, also has four 777Fs at its JV carrier, AeroLogic, operating on Lufthansa Cargo’s behalf. Lufthansa told Cargo Facts in March that it also has a purchase option on one of AeroLogic’s leased 777Fs. Lufthansa Cargo reported strong 2020 earnings, as did many cargo operators with freighter capacity. Cargo revenue rose 11% YoY to 2.76 billion euros, netting EBIT of $943 million, up from just $1.2 million in 2019. Cargo Facts EMEA, taking place June 2-3 as a virtual experience, is the event for exploring opportunity in the EMEA region. The event continues to bring together the best, brightest, and most innovative executives in the global air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactsemea.com .

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