In a strategic move to strengthen its global cargo network, Lufthansa Cargo announced it will begin marketing and handling freight for ITA Airways starting June 16, 2025. This collaboration, made possible by Lufthansa Group’s recent 41% stake acquisition in the Italian carrier, positions Rome as a new hub for Southern Europe and adds nearly 20% more belly cargo capacity to Lufthansa Cargo’s global offering.

A New Cargo Hub in Rome

With the integration of ITA Airways, Lufthansa Cargo is set to establish Rome’s Fiumicino Airport as its fifth global cargo hub—joining Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Brussels. The partnership grants Lufthansa access to ITA’s extensive network and belly-hold capacity on long-haul flights, initially from key South American cities such as:

• São Paulo
• Rio de Janeiro
• Buenos Aires

Lufthansa Cargo will begin marketing these routes under its airway bill from June 16, while the remainder of ITA’s network will transition gradually, subject to regulatory approvals.

Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, remarked:

“Along with our partner ITA Airways, we are excited to offer our customers more attractive routes, additional capacities, and solutions to and from Europe and worldwide. Rome will be our fifth hub, helping us deliver faster, more reliable service to Southern Europe.”

What the ITA Partnership Brings

• Expanded Network: ITA operates a fleet of 99 aircraft, including 22 long-haul jets, and flies to 70 global destinations.
• Increased Capacity: Lufthansa Cargo customers gain access to significantly more city pairs and up to 20% additional bellyhold space.
• Strategic Growth: Lufthansa Group has expressed interest in increasing its ITA stake beyond the current minority holding, signaling a long-term commitment to this partnership.

Operational Enhancements and Pharma Upgrades

In addition to expanding its network, Lufthansa Cargo continues to innovate in temperature-sensitive logistics. New features include:

• Pharma Control Tower: 24/7 monitoring temperature-sensitive shipments via Frankfurt, Munich, and Brussels.
• Free Thermal Covers: These are used on select summer routes (May–September), including Frankfurt to Atlanta, Cairo, Chicago, and Toronto.
• Real-Time Digital Monitoring: Continuous temperature tracking via embedded sensors in unit load devices.
• Insulated Containers with Passive Cooling: Available through td.Zoom offers a cost-effective alternative to active cooling solutions.

These developments align with growing customer demand for secure, transparent, and reliable transport of pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive goods.

Leadership Restructuring for Future Growth

Lufthansa Cargo also announced leadership changes set to take effect July 1:

• Frank Bauer will move from CFO to Chief Operating Officer.
• Gregor Schleussner, currently with Eurowings, will step in as CFO and Chief Human Resources Officer.

This leadership shuffle will enhance operational agility as Lufthansa Cargo scales its services globally.

Strong Financial Performance in Q1 2025

Lufthansa Cargo reported a robust Q1, with:

• Revenue: $938.8 million (up 21% YoY)
• Adjusted EBIT: $70 million (vs. a $24 million loss in Q1 2024)

Strong yields, recovering demand from China, and cost optimization contributed to the strong performance, reinforcing the carrier’s competitive position in the air freight market.

Conclusion

With the integration of ITA Airways and the addition of Rome as a strategic cargo hub, Lufthansa Cargo is accelerating its mission to provide efficient, reliable, and innovative logistics solutions. From expanded global access to advanced pharma handling, the carrier is positioning itself for long-term growth in a competitive air cargo landscape.

📍 Mark your calendars for June 16—when Lufthansa Cargo officially launches capacity sales on ITA Airways routes to Rome.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on Lufthansa Cargo’s global expansion, service innovations, and industry insights.