Lufthansa Cargo shifts focus towards Asia amid declining transatlantic demand

Aviation analytics firm Cirium reports that Lufthansa passenger flights to Asia are down 3% for the first half of this year compared to 2024 and down 10% compared to 2019. Destinations most impacted include Beijing, Almaty, Osaka, and Astana—all reliant on Russian airspace.

Flights to South and Southeast Asia have either seen slight increases or been maintained at steady levels. This reduction in passenger flights affects cargo capacity since airlines like Lufthansa utilize belly space on long-haul jets for transporting goods.

Bauer noted that Lufthansa Cargo has started shifting "a significant number of freighter flights from the North Atlantic to Asia in order to make the best possible use of our capacity," especially during the final quarter of last year.

"Overall, we're becoming faster with adjustments to the freighter route network. We're closely monitoring the current tariff discussions," he added.

Lufthansa Cargo does not plan to abandon U.S. markets entirely as there remains positive demand; however, Asia represents a generally more stable market.

In January, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that air cargo growth is slowing. Demand had risen by just 3.2% compared to last year—far below previous double-digit peaks. - Willie Walsh

"Similarly, yields...saw a nine-point-nine percent decline from December as...load factors also declined by an average of one-point-five percentage points," said Willie Walsh IATA's Director General..

Lufthansa Cargo moving away from North America aligns with uncertainties posed by tariff-driven trade policies under Trump's administration.. -Walsh

"In particular..the wild card is potential for tariff-driven trade policies from US Trump Administration..Fortunately air cargo industry well practiced at dealing with shifts operating environment.”