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Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has initiated a project to expand and automate its perishables centre at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), in partnership with Lödige Industries, to increase storage capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen its handling capabilities for temperature-sensitive shipments. The project reflects the growing importance of automated infrastructure in maintaining efficient and reliable cold-chain logistics.
The dedicated cargo business of the Air France-KLM Group is implementing an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) system to enable automated, multi-level storage and retrieval of unit load devices (ULDs) and pallets. The solution is designed to maximise the use of available building space while accommodating future growth in cargo volumes.
By automating storage and retrieval operations, the system is expected to reduce manual handling, streamline internal cargo movements and improve the utilisation of existing storage capacity. It will also support consistent handling processes within dedicated temperature-controlled areas, which are critical for preserving the quality and integrity of perishable goods throughout their journey through the cargo facility.
“Expanding our temperature-controlled cargo capabilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle is an important step in strengthening our cold-chain operations. The new automated storage solution will enable us to handle growing volumes more efficiently and further enhance the cargo handling flow for temperature-sensitive shipments at CDG,” the project team at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo said.
The installation will feature a 10-foot-wide edge ETV serving 58 storage decks, of which 17 will be located within temperature-controlled areas. This configuration will allow the facility to combine high-density storage with dedicated temperature-managed space, supporting the operational requirements of perishable cargo.
Lödige Machine Warburg and Lödige Machine Romania are supplying the system, which is scheduled to become operational at the end of September 2027. The installation is expected to provide a scalable foundation for further automation as cargo volumes and cold-chain requirements evolve.
Commenting on the project, Björn Ussat, Director Airport Logistic Solutions at Lödige Industries, said: “Cold-chain logistics place particularly high demands on reliability, efficient use of space and consistent handling processes. This project demonstrates how automation can help cargo operators optimise storage capacity and internal material flows while supporting the stringent handling requirements of temperature-sensitive shipments. We are delighted to support Air France KLM Martinair Cargo with an efficient and scalable solution that also provides a solid basis for future expansion of automated storage processes at Paris-Charles de Gaulle,”
The investment will reinforce Paris-CDG's role in the group's cargo operations by improving how temperature-sensitive shipments are stored and transferred within the facility. Automated storage systems can help cargo operators manage space constraints, reduce unnecessary handling and establish more predictable internal workflows.
For Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, the project forms part of the broader effort to strengthen specialised cargo-handling capabilities as supply chains increasingly demand reliable infrastructure for perishable goods. Efficient cold-chain operations are particularly important for shipments such as fresh produce, flowers and other temperature-sensitive commodities, where handling conditions and transit efficiency can influence product quality.
As air cargo facilities face growing pressure to improve throughput without proportionate increases in their physical footprint, automation offers a way to enhance capacity and operational consistency. The Paris-CDG project combines these objectives with dedicated temperature-controlled storage, positioning the facility to accommodate future demand while maintaining the handling standards required for perishables.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) is witnessing strong growth in its air freight business as global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure shipments encourage shippers to move time-sensitive cargo from sea to air. The trend has strengthened the group's cargo performance in the third quarter of 2026, with demand continuing to outpace available capacity. The cargo division reported a 25.2% year-on-year increase in third-quarter revenue to €677 million, while cargo traffic revenue climbed 24.9% to €566 million. Total cargo volumes increased 5% to 236,000 tonnes, while traffic, measured in revenue tonne-kilometres (RTK), grew 8%. Capacity expanded by a comparatively modest 2.3%, taking the cargo load factor up 2.4 percentage points to 46%. The airline attributed the improved performance to disruptions along key maritime trade routes, particularly around the Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz, which prompted shippers to shift urgent and high-value consignments to air freight. Additionally, growing demand from AI-related supply chains, including infrastructure and technology shipments, has tightened global air cargo capacity. These developments have enabled the group to secure additional volumes and full-freighter charter opportunities, supporting yields across its network. Alongside the demand-led growth, KLM is restructuring its cargo handling operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The airline plans to consolidate freight carried on both passenger aircraft and freighters within its own warehouse. The move is aimed at simplifying processes, increasing automation and improving workforce productivity, allowing higher cargo volumes to be managed without additional recruitment. The consolidation will also prepare KLM Cargo for a new cargo terminal planned for completion in 2035, while strengthening Schiphol's potential to attract transfer cargo. KLM intends to expand support services for customers as part of the operational changes. The developments underline how changing global trade patterns, technology-driven demand and operational automation are reshaping the air cargo sector. For AFKLMP Cargo, the ability to respond to shifting freight flows while improving handling efficiency will remain central to sustaining growth. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Global air freight rates recorded a marginal decline in the week ending November 2, 2026, even as demand remained resilient and pricing levels continued to stay significantly above those of the previous year. According to the latest data from TAC Index, worldwide air freight rates fell 1.1% week on week but remained 22.8% higher year on year, reflecting sustained demand, elevated jet fuel costs and ongoing capacity constraints during the traditional fourth-quarter peak season. The global Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) registered the weekly decline, although rates remained above the highest levels recorded during the previous two peak seasons. With several weeks of the year-end peak period still remaining, the market continues to experience firm pricing conditions. Asia-Pacific Markets Show Mixed Performance Air freight rates across major Asian markets displayed varied trends. Outbound rates from Hong Kong increased 0.7% during the week, taking the index 28% above its year-ago level. Shanghai recorded a stronger weekly increase of 2.8%, with rates standing 14.4% higher year on year. Rates from India also firmed slightly on both Europe- and US-bound routes, with year-on-year increases reaching approximately 80%. This highlights the continued strength of demand for Indian air cargo capacity. In contrast, rates from China to Europe experienced a slight decline, partly reflecting weaker shipment volumes following the European Union's removal of the de minimis exemption for low-value parcels in July 2026. Transpacific routes to the US, however, continued to register strong rate increases. European outbound markets also experienced mixed movements. Frankfurt's outbound index declined 6.5% week on week, while London's Heathrow index dropped 23.2%. Despite these corrections, both remained substantially higher than their levels a year earlier. Spot Rates Reflect Tight Capacity Conditions A separate assessment by WorldACD Market Data highlighted the continued upward pressure on spot prices. Global air cargo spot rates increased 5% in the week ending October 25, reaching US$3.80 per kg, representing a 38% year-on-year increase. Full-market rates, combining spot and contract prices, rose 3% to US$3.33 per kg, up 31% annually. Global cargo tonnages declined 2% week on week, while capacity slipped 1%. The contrasting weekly movements reflect different reporting periods and pricing indices rather than a reversal in the broader market trend. Peak Season Outlook With Diwali, Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Christmas driving seasonal shipment activity, air cargo operators and freight forwarders face continued pressure to secure capacity. Elevated fuel costs, geopolitical uncertainties and shifting trade flows are further influencing pricing across major international corridors. Despite the modest weekly correction reported by TAC Index, strong year-on-year rate increases indicate that the global air freight market remains firm. Capacity availability and demand patterns over the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how rates evolve through the remainder of the peak season. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Lufthansa Cargo has completed its acquisition of LUG aircargo handling GmbH, strengthening its cargo handling infrastructure in Germany and adding capacity to support future growth. The transaction was finalised after receiving all required antitrust approvals, making LUG a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo. The agreement to acquire LUG from the Dettmer Group was signed on 7 September 2026. The completion marks a strategic step in Lufthansa Cargo’s efforts to expand its operational capacity, improve flexibility and strengthen its competitiveness in the German air freight market. LUG To Retain Its Brand and Customer Relationships Despite the change in ownership, LUG will continue to operate as a separate company under its existing brand within the Lufthansa Cargo group. Its current customer contracts and business relationships will remain unchanged, and the company will continue providing cargo handling services to other airlines. Maintaining its third-party customer base is an important part of LUG’s business model. The integration into Lufthansa Cargo is also expected to create new growth opportunities, allowing the handler to build on its established expertise, strengthen its service capabilities and explore additional business prospects. Frank Bauer, Chief Operations Officer of Lufthansa Cargo, said the acquisition would provide greater flexibility and support further growth in the company’s home market. He also highlighted the experience and technical knowledge of LUG’s employees as valuable assets for the continued development of both businesses. Strengthening Cargo Handling Infrastructure in Germany LUG brings more than 60 years of experience in air cargo handling and employs approximately 400 people. Its expertise spans multiple cargo categories and the operational requirements of international airlines, supported by long-standing customer relationships. The company’s existing infrastructure includes around 50,000 sq m of covered warehouse space in Germany, along with approximately 18,000 sq m of office and other infrastructure space. These facilities and capabilities will complement Lufthansa Cargo’s existing handling network, providing additional capacity to accommodate future demand. The acquisition also aligns with Lufthansa Cargo’s ongoing infrastructure modernisation programme at Frankfurt Airport. Under its LCCevo initiative, the company is investing approximately €600 million to modernise its cargo facilities and strengthen operational capabilities. By combining the additional handling capacity from LUG with investments in its own infrastructure, Lufthansa Cargo aims to build a stronger foundation for reliable cargo operations and profitable growth. The move is expected to enhance operational flexibility while supporting the needs of customers across its air freight network. As demand for efficient air freight services continues to shape the logistics industry, the acquisition strengthens Lufthansa Cargo’s control over its handling infrastructure while preserving LUG’s established position as a service provider to multiple airlines. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
