Lufthansa Cargo boosts first-half profit by 47%, targets return to global top three by 2030

Lufthansa Cargo delivered a strong first-half performance in 2026, reporting a 47% increase in Adjusted EBIT as robust demand, particularly on Asian routes, and continued capacity growth drove higher revenues and profitability.

The cargo carrier generated €1.92 billion in revenue during the first six months of the year, up 16% from €1.65 billion in the same period of 2025. Adjusted EBIT rose to €199 million, compared with €135 million a year earlier, lifting the operating margin to 10.4%, up from 8.2%.

Available cargo capacity increased by 5% to 7.21 billion freight tonne-kilometres, supported by additional belly-hold capacity across the Lufthansa Group, including the marketing of cargo space on ITA Airways flights. Freight traffic also grew by 5% to 4.6 billion freight tonne-kilometres, while the average load factor edged up to 63.8%.

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer Gregor Schleussner said the airline had continued to execute its BOLD MOVES strategy despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, rising costs and increasing competition.

“Our goal is clear: by 2030, we aim to return to the ranks of the world’s top three cargo airlines,” he said.

Major investments at Frankfurt hub

A key milestone during the first half of the year was the commissioning of the ALPHA phase of the LCCevo project, the first stage of Lufthansa Cargo’s plan to transform its Frankfurt facility into Europe’s most advanced air cargo centre by 2030.

The €600 million project will introduce highly automated cargo handling systems, a fully automated high-bay warehouse and dedicated temperature-controlled storage, significantly increasing efficiency and handling capacity at the airline’s largest hub.

New GlobeCross business launched

Lufthansa Cargo also expanded its logistics portfolio through the creation of GlobeCross GmbH, which combines the activities of former subsidiaries heyworld GmbH and CB Customs Broker GmbH.

The new company will provide integrated cross-border e-commerce logistics, customs clearance and end-to-end supply chain services, allowing Lufthansa Cargo to expand beyond its traditional airport-to-airport business model and strengthen its position in the growing international parcel logistics market.

The strong first-half results build on Lufthansa Cargo’s positive second-quarter performance, with the business continuing to benefit from resilient air freight demand despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.