Lufthansa Cargo is continuing work to redevelop its Frankfurt hub with a new warehouse system as part of its LCCevolution project.
Work started in August and includes the construction of a new high-bay warehouse that will feature an automated transport system and new building modules in the north of the airport.
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.
In addition to the new building, existing buildings and warehouses of the Lufthansa Cargo Center are to be "upgraded and modernised" or replaced by new buildings.
In total, the cargo business will spend €500m on the project, which is scheduled for completion by 2030 and will cover 70,000 sq m.
One of the main concerns of customers will be the impact on operations, but the airline said it was not expecting any disruption.
Lufthansa Cargo chief operations officer Dietmar Focke said: “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.”
Lufthansa Cargo chief executive Ashwin Bhat said: “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.
“For our customers, this means faster handling speeds, easier transport processes and an improvement in service quality."
The construction work and planning is being carried out by Ed. Züblin.
In addition to Ed. Züblin, the mechanical engineering company BLEICHERT Automation will contribute to the construction of the high-bay warehouse.
Furthermore, planning of the logistics systems for the large-scale project is being carried out with of io-consultants.
The contract was signed by all partners on November 21 at Frankfurt Airport.
Lufthansa Cargo has been planning to upgrade its Frankfurt infrastructure for a number of years, eventually opting to take a modular approach to developing its existing centre rather than developing a new building altogether.
Some work on the project was carried out back in 2021 with the construction of a high-rack storage system in the existing Lufthansa Cargo Center.
