Lufthansa Cargo is broadening its service portfolio beyond traditional airport-to-airport transportation as it expands its presence in cross-border eCommerce logistics. At the same time, the German carrier continues to invest in digital services and cargo infrastructure while reporting significantly improved financial results for the first half of 2026.
A key step in that strategy came during the second quarter of 2026 with the launch of GlobeCross GmbH. The new company combines the activities of heyworld GmbH and CB Customs Broker GmbH, uniting digital eCommerce logistics solutions and customs expertise under one roof. GlobeCross offers digital customs services, eCommerce import terminals at major air cargo hubs, and integrated logistics solutions covering transportation, customs clearance and final delivery. According to Lufthansa Cargo, the new subsidiary expands the company’s service portfolio beyond its traditional airport-to-airport business and creates additional growth opportunities in the cross-border logistics market.
Strong financial performance
The company also reached an important milestone at its Frankfurt hub with the commissioning of the ALPHA construction phase of the LCCevo project at the end of June. The €600 million investment forms the foundation for the gradual modernization of the Lufthansa Cargo Center, which the airline aims to develop into Europe’s most advanced air cargo hub by 2030. The project includes highly automated material handling systems, a fully automated high-bay warehouse, and dedicated storage facilities for temperature-sensitive shipments, increasing both handling capacity and operational efficiency.
The strategic developments were accompanied by a strong financial performance during the first six months of the year. Revenue increased by 16% to €1.92 billion, compared with €1.65 billion in the same period of 2025. Adjusted EBIT rose by 47% to €199 million, while the Adjusted EBIT margin improved from 8.2% to 10.4%.
Successful double package
Lufthansa Cargo’s operational performance improved as well with available cargo capacity growing by 5% to 7.21 billion freight ton kilometers (FTKs), supported in part by additional belly capacity marketed through ITA Airways. Traffic volumes increased by 5% to 4.6 billion FTKs, while the average load factor edged up to 63.8%.
“Alongside sustained market demand and continued strong business development in Asia, we have consistently pursued our BOLD MOVES strategy throughout the first half of 2026,” says Gregor Schleussner, CFO and CHRO of Lufthansa Cargo. He notes that the global air cargo market continues to be shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, rising costs, changing customer requirements and increasing competitive pressure. “Anyone who wants to succeed in the long term must be faster, more efficient and more adaptable than the competition,” he said. “Our objective is clear: by 2030 we want to return to the world’s top three cargo airlines.”
The implementation of GlobeCross and the progress of the LCCevo project represent two of the company’s most significant milestones during the first half of 2026 as it continues to invest in infrastructure, digitalization and expanded logistics services.
Resumption of A321F operations planned
Meanwhile, U.S. magazine FreightWaves reported that LH Cargo intends to get rid of their four narrowbody A321 P2F converted jetliners. The freighters’ performance is insufficient and the regional European and north African markets can be served by Lufthansa’s passenger air and trucking networks without any noticeable impact, writes author Eric Kulisch. Currently, the leased freighters are parked at different airports after operator Lufthansa CityLine was dissolved in APR2026 due to high fuel prices and a series of walkouts by its personnel.
When we asked LH Cargo whether the statements were accurate, we received the following response: “We reject the conclusion drawn in FreightWaves and are continuing to work toward resuming flight operations with the A321F freighters. Currently, we cannot comment on the route network, as negotiations are still ongoing. Updates will be provided proactively once these negotiations with a new operator have been concluded and details can be shared,” spokesperson Katharina Stegmann said.
