Lufthansa Cargo to invest €600 million in Frankfurt hub
Lufthansa Cargo aims to transform its logistics centre in Frankfurt into Europe’s most modern cargo hub by 2030, with an investment of €600 million. The Lufthansa Cargo Center, located at Frankfurt Airport, spans 330,000 square metres and handles up to 20,000 tonnes of freight per week. The project includes the implementation of digital technologies, smart solutions and sustainable infrastructure to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Robot deliveries to exceed $1.7 billion by 2032
According to new research by Abi Research, global revenues from last-mile robot deliveries are expected to rise from $260 million in 2025 to over $1.74 billion by 2032. The number of deliveries made by autonomous mobile robots will reach 25,000 annually by that year. The sector is attracting growing investment and partnerships, such as that between Starship Technologies and Bolt Food in Europe. North America leads adoption, with companies like Nuro, Cruise and Starship at the forefront. Online grocery deliveries, driven by the growth of e-commerce, represent a major area of expansion. AMRs offer low delivery costs and reduced emissions, making them increasingly common in urban areas, university campuses and shopping centres.
WestJet Cargo grew in 2024 and focuses on belly freight
WestJet Cargo recorded significant growth in 2024, with a 60% increase in revenue from belly freight operations. Routes between Narita and Calgary, and Incheon and Calgary, played a key role in driving results. The company has announced plans to gradually phase out its four dedicated cargo aircraft, shifting its focus to expanding freight capacity on passenger flights. The network has been strengthened through an agreement with Virgin Atlantic on the Toronto-London route, boosting capacity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. New digital platforms and services such as Campus’Air have also been introduced. Vice President Kirsten de Bruijn has announced her resignation.
American Airlines Cargo strengthens summer routes from Europe, Latin America and Asia
American Airlines Cargo is expanding its transatlantic cargo services for summer 2025 with direct flights from European cities to six US airports starting in April. New routes link Venice, Edinburgh and Milan to Philadelphia; Naples and Madrid to Chicago; Athens to Charlotte; and Rome to Miami. Some seasonal services will continue through October. Between June and August, more than 4,000 monthly widebody flights are scheduled between Europe and the US. Flights from Miami to Buenos Aires will increase to twice daily through October, while Heathrow to Dallas will run five times daily from April. The domestic widebody network from Dallas to key US hubs is also expanding.
Hactl and HKT launch Hong Kong’s first air cargo terminal with private 5G network
Hactl (Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited) and HKT have announced the launch of Hong Kong’s first air cargo terminal equipped with a private 5G network. The initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and automation at the SuperTerminal 1, which in 2024 handled over 40% of the 4.9 million tonnes of cargo moved through Hong Kong International Airport. Thanks to high-speed, low-latency 5G connectivity, the system will support autonomous electric tractors, surveillance by AI-equipped robots and an intelligent warehouse cargo tracking system.
Adani inaugurates major new container terminal in Colombo
Indian conglomerate Adani has opened a new $800 million container terminal at the main port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, adjacent to a Chinese-operated facility. The project, developed in partnership with John Keells Holdings and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, is seen as a strategic move to strengthen India’s regional presence. The Colombo West International Terminal already boasts 600 operational metres of a planned 1,400-metre quay, with a depth of 20 metres, capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships. The inauguration followed an official visit by Indian Prime Minister Modi, during which defence and energy agreements were signed.
