Lufthansa Cargo reduces summer frequencies

Citing weaker air cargo demand compared to the previous two years, Lufthansa Cargo said it is adjusting its summer schedule and reducing the number of flights it will operate in the second and third quarters of 2019.

Flights will be cut in line with demand, and customers will be informed of the changes accordingly. The German carrier said that the adjustments will help to ensure profitable load factors and continued deployment of aircraft at optimum levels going forward.

“We have traditionally taken a flexible approach to the flight program for our freighter fleet to suit customer requirements,” said Peter Gerber, CEO and chairman of the executive board at Lufthansa Cargo. “This has allowed us to respond quickly to normalizing demand in the market so that our operations remain cost-effective. We will continue to closely observe market developments and to flexibly adapt our supply in line with demand.”

The schedule reductions will also allow Lufthansa Cargo to continue renewing its freighter fleet. The carrier inducted a 777F in February and another in March, and expects to withdraw two of its 12 remaining MD-11Fs from service by the end of 2019.