Lufthansa Cargo capacity drops by 10pc, consolidates into Jade

LUFTHANSA Cargo AG is to reduce its partnership with World Airways from two freighters of the MD-11F type and a Boeing 747-400F to a Boeing 747-400ERF aircraft from the Shenzhen JV Jade Cargo International.

"Lufthansa Cargo is adapting capacity in face of increasingly difficult economic conditions and a distinct falloff in demand," said Carsten Spohr, Lufthansa Cargo chairman.

"We will continue operating all our 19 MD-11 freighters, while utilising the capacity adjustments to further improve our quality, reliability and punctuality," he added.

Jade Cargo flights have been marketed on ex-Europe flights since spring this year and will expand into marketing the bulk of its flights operated ex Asia in 2009.

According to a company statement customers will benefit from a bundling of marketing skills of the two organisations and a closed capacity portfolio.

From mid-2009, Lufthansa Cargo will also have capacities on the new Boeing 777-200LRF freighters in the AeroLogic fleet at its disposal. The joint venture set up by DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo will begin operations with a delay of several months due to delayed deliveries from Boeing owing a strike of several weeks in the USA.

Source: Schednet