Lufthansa Cargo starts construction of new Frankfurt hub

Lufthansa Cargo is pressing ahead with modernising the Frankfurt hub with its LCCevolution project.

In August 2023, construction work began on the new, 40-metre-high tall high-bay warehouse, including the automated transport system and the first building modules in the north of Frankfurt Airport. "In addition to the new building, the existing buildings and warehouses of the Lufthansa Cargo Centre are to be upgraded and modernised or replaced by new buildings. Lufthansa Cargo is investing a total of almost €500 million in the major project, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030 and will cover an area of more than 70,000 square metres," says an official release.

"With a throughput share of around 80 percent of Lufthansa Cargo's global cargo volume, the Frankfurt hub plays a decisive role in the operational success of Lufthansa Cargo,” says Ashwin Bhat, CEO, Lufthansa Cargo.

The modernisation and new buildings will improve turnaround times and increase efficiency at Lufthansa Cargo's central location, the release added.

“For our customers, this means faster handling speeds, easier transport processes and an improvement in service quality,” Bhat adds.

The implementation and detailed planning of the central construction measures for the next eight years will be carried out together with construction partner Ed. Züblin of Frankfurt. “With Züblin, we have gained an experienced expert in building construction and civil engineering who will support us with individual and customised solutions," says Stefan Dürr, Head, Infrastructure Programme, Lufthansa Cargo and project manager of LCCevolution. "We are delighted to be tackling the Lufthansa Group's largest construction project together with Ed. Züblin."

In addition to Ed. Züblin, the mechanical engineering company BLEICHERT Automation is a key partner in the construction of the high-bay warehouse. Planning of the logistics systems for the large-scale project is being carried out with the expertise and support of io-consultants. The contract was signed by all partners on November 21 at Frankfurt Airport, the release added.

“A particular challenge of this project is the implementation of a complex construction project while the regular operation of the hub must be guaranteed 24/7, and the gradual improvement of the hub as the new elements are put into function,” says Dietmar Focke, Chief Operations Officer, Lufthansa Cargo.

The first parts of the automated transport system and the construction of the first two building modules are expected to be completed between 2023 and 2027, the release added.