Lufthansa Cargo repurposes passenger planes to fly critical medical supplies amid crisis
Lufthansa Cargo has begun using passenger planes for freight-only flights to maintain global supply chains during the coronavirus outbreak. One of its Airbus A330 aircraft, registered as D-AIKI, recently landed in Frankfurt carrying around 30 tonnes of medical supplies from China. The move comes as airlines adapt to reduced passenger demand while ensuring critical goods still reach their destinations.
The flight, which took 11 hours and 6 minutes, transported urgent medical equipment, including masks and protective gear. Lufthansa Cargo secured the necessary permits from both Chinese and German authorities to operate the special service. With passenger flights sharply reduced, the airline is now exploring more cargo-only trips using its passenger fleet.
Lufthansa Cargo operates across a vast network, serving around 300 destinations in over 100 countries. In 2019, the company reported a turnover of €2.5 billion and employed roughly 4,500 people worldwide. While dedicated freighters like the Boeing 777F can carry up to 103 tonnes, repurposed passenger aircraft help fill gaps in capacity.
Other major airlines, including American Airlines, have also launched freight-only flights in response to the crisis. These efforts aim to keep essential supplies moving despite widespread travel restrictions.
The shift to cargo-only flights highlights the airline industry's flexibility in supporting global trade during emergencies. By using passenger planes for freight, Lufthansa Cargo ensures that medical and other vital goods continue to reach affected regions. The company plans to expand these operations if demand persists.
