Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, recently visited China where he signed strategic cooperation agreements with Shanghai Airport Authority, Air China Cargo, and China Postal Express & Logistics Co., Ltd, strengthening its position in one of world’s most important air cargo growth markets which it has been serving since 1997. The joint MoU with Shanghai Airport Authority, backed by the Municipal Government of Shanghai, lays out a framework for greater cooperation, enhancing operational efficiencies, and improving customer experiences through innovative solutions and shared expertise. The strategic goal is to jointly develop Shanghai Pudong Airport into the world’s most competitive Asia-Pacific core hub. Ashwin Bhat stated: “Shanghai is the biggest freight hub for Lufthansa Cargo next to our hub in Frankfurt, and the MoU gives us the confidence and commitment to further contribute to business excellence in this strategically important market.”
Feng Xin, CEO of Shanghai Airport Authority, declared: “The last 25 years of partnership through our joint venture have yielded excellent results for both parties. The MoU marks the beginning of our cooperation journey, and we look forward to even closer collaboration in the years ahead.”
Shanghai’s Vice Mayor Hua Yuan, confirmed: “The Shanghai Municipal Government is willing to work together to promote Lufthansa Cargo’s deeper participation in the development of Shanghai, including closer cooperation between the Company and the Airports Group, facilitating cooperation among the enterprises and top e-commerce platforms, and jointly boosting the digital integration of China and Germany’s customs.”
Bhat also signed an MoU with Air China Cargo, to enhance its 30+ year-long partnership (including its joint warehouse facility, PACTL). Co-signatory, Air China Cargo CEO, Jun Li commented: “The cooperation between the two parties will further stabilize the logistics corridor between China and Germany and will provide customers with more choices and solutions.”
Thirdly, Lufthansa Cargo and China Postal Express & Logistics Co., Ltd, announced their intention to focus on innovation, digitalization, and sustainability over the next 5 years. Lin Zejian Deputy General Manager, CPEL, said “China Postal Express & Logistics Co., Ltd. and Lufthansa Cargo Airlines have a history of more than ten years of cooperation. The new strategic cooperation is not only conducive to consolidating the existing business cooperation between the two sides, but also can develop more commercial value in new business fields.”
