Lufthansa Cargo said it had been able to operate most of its freighter flights, despite strike action taken by its pilots on Thursday 12 February.
The airline said earlier this week that due to the nearly 24-hour strike organised by the pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), cargo capacity and volumes out of Frankfurt Airport (FRA) could be affected.
However, Lufthansa Cargo confirmed in a statement to Air Cargo News today that 13 out of 16 freighter flights took place during the strike period.
“With our own dedicated freighter flight schedule, we were able to soften the impact of the Vereinigung Cockpit union’s short-notice strike announcement for our customers considerably.
“With scheduled flights, rescheduled flights and fights operated by volunteer crews, Lufthansa Cargo was able to conduct 13 of the 16 planned services ex FRA (81%). Unfortunately, a total of three freighter flights (19%) could not be operated as planned.
“We regret the impact, especially for our customers, with whom we work closely together and who expect reliable transport solutions from us.
“We are therefore doing everything we can to minimise further effects of the Vereinigung Cockpit strike on our operations.”
Lufthansa Cargo had said in an operating update earlier in the week: “Depending on the level of strike participation and resulting flight cancellations, only limited cargo volumes may be available for shipments on 12 February.”
However, the cargo business of Lufthansa had also stated that all Lufthansa Cargo flights scheduled to land in Frankfurt on 12 February were due to operate as planned and eight freighter flights out of FRA were due to take place, meaning more flights took place than predicted.
These eight flights were to Istanbul, Turkey (IST); Armenia (EVN); Morocco (CMN); Chicago, US (ORD); New York, US (JFK); Taipei, Taiwan(TPE); Malta (MLA); and Dublin (DUB).
In March last year, Lufthansa Cargo’s operations were impacted by strikes at airports across Germany.
