Lufthansa Cargo Reports Strong Growth in the First Half of 2026
- Aug 10
- 2 min read
Lufthansa Cargo delivered a strong financial performance in the first half of 2026, supported by growing demand, expanded cargo capacity and continued investment in its global logistics infrastructure.
Revenue increased by 16% to €1.92 billion, compared with €1.65 billion during the same period last year. Adjusted EBIT climbed even faster, rising 47% to €199 million, up from €135 million in the first half of 2025.
The company’s Adjusted EBIT margin consequently improved from 8.2% to 10.4%, marking another positive development in Lufthansa Cargo’s financial performance.
Cargo Capacity and Demand Continue to Grow
Lufthansa Cargo also recorded growth in both capacity and traffic during the first six months of the year.
Available cargo capacity increased by 5% to 7.21 billion freight tonne-kilometers, supported particularly by additional belly capacity, including cargo space marketed on ITA Airways passenger flights.
Traffic volumes also grew by 5%, reaching 4.6 billion freight tonne-kilometers, while the average cargo load factor improved slightly to 63.8%.
Strong demand and continued robust performance in the Asian market contributed to the results. At the same time, Lufthansa Cargo acknowledges that the global air freight industry continues to face challenges including geopolitical uncertainty, rising costs, changing customer expectations and increasing competitive pressure.
€600 Million Investment in Frankfurt Cargo Hub
Alongside its financial performance, Lufthansa Cargo continues to invest heavily in the future of its operations.
At the end of June, the company completed the ALPHA construction phase of its LCCevo infrastructure project, representing the first major stage in transforming the Lufthansa Cargo Center in Frankfurt.
Around €600 million is being invested in the project, which is expected to gradually transform the facility into one of Europe's most advanced air cargo hubs by 2030.
The modernization includes highly automated material-handling and conveyor systems, a fully automated high-bay warehouse and dedicated facilities for temperature-sensitive cargo.
GlobeCross Expands Cross-Border Logistics Capabilities
Another important development during the second quarter was the creation of GlobeCross GmbH, bringing together the activities of former Lufthansa Cargo subsidiaries heyworld GmbH and CB Customs Broker GmbH.
The new company combines digital e-commerce logistics with customs expertise, enabling Lufthansa Cargo to provide more integrated solutions for international cross-border trade.
Its services include digital customs solutions, e-commerce import terminals at major air cargo hubs and integrated logistics services connecting transportation, customs clearance and final delivery.
The move also represents Lufthansa Cargo’s continued expansion beyond the traditional airport-to-airport air freight business into the rapidly developing cross-border parcel and e-commerce logistics market.
Targeting the Global Top Three by 2030
The developments form part of Lufthansa Cargo’s BOLD MOVES growth strategy, which has been underway since the end of 2023.
The company has set itself an ambitious objective: to return to the ranks of the world’s top three cargo airlines by 2030, measured by freight tonne-kilometers.
With stronger financial results, expanding capacity, major infrastructure investments and further development of digital and cross-border logistics services, Lufthansa Cargo is continuing to strengthen its position in the global air freight market.
Image source: lufthansa-cargo.com
