Lufthansa’s cargo operation will see the addition of two new Boeing 777 freighters to its fleet at the start of next year.
The German airline said it is not yet finalized who will manage and operate the planes on its behalf. The planes are expected to be flown from Boeing’s plant in Seattle to Frankfurt in February and March 2019.
“This major investment in the future of Lufthansa Cargo has been made possible by last year’s outstanding results,” said Peter Gerber, CEO and chairman of Lufthansa’s cargo airline, in a statement.
Lufthansa is phasing the 777 freighters into its fleet to replace its aging MD-11 freighters.
“This allows us to fully participate in the market growth but respond flexibly to signs of change,” Gerber said. “Accordingly, we will decide on when to phase out individual MD-11Fs based on the market situation. Our strategic goal remains to operate a solely B777F fleet going forward.”
Lufthansa Cargo’s fleet currently consists of 12 MD-11 freighters. The first two 777 freighters entered the fleet in November 2013. Since February 2015, the carrier has added five 777 freighters. It also has access to belly cargo capacity via Lufthansa’s expansive global passenger airline fleet.