Starting from June 2025, Lufthansa Cargo will begin marketing the bellyhold capacity of Ita Airways’ passenger flights, making Rome Fiumicino its fifth operational hub, alongside Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Brussels. This move follows Lufthansa’s entry into the Italian airline’s shareholding structure, with an initial acquisition of 41 percent that may be increased in the future.
In practical terms, Lufthansa Cargo will begin selling, under its own air waybill code, the bellyhold capacity of Ita Airways flights from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires to Rome. In the initial phase, the two carriers will continue to operate all other routes under separate air waybill numbers. Later on, once the necessary regulatory approvals have been secured, Lufthansa Cargo will take over the commercial management of all of Ita Airways’ bellyhold capacity, both on continental and intercontinental routes.
The impact is expected to be significant: the integration of Ita Airways’ capacity is forecast to boost Lufthansa Cargo’s total available bellyhold capacity for customers by an estimated 20 percent. This growth will lead to an even denser and more connected network, capable of linking all major economic centres in Europe and across the globe. Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, stated that “together with our partner Ita Airways, we will be able to offer customers new routes, increased capacity and broader solutions, connecting Southern Europe more efficiently with the rest of the world. Rome will become a key hub to ensure reliability, speed and quality.”
The Ita Airways fleet, consisting of 99 aircraft including 22 long-haul planes (Airbus A350-900, A330-900neo and A330-200), represents a strategic asset for strengthening the overall offer. Around 70 destinations served worldwide complete an industrial framework that aligns with Lufthansa Cargo’s vision for expansion.
Alongside this operational development, Lufthansa Cargo has announced major changes at the top of the organisation. As of 1 July 2025, Frank Bauer will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer, while Gregor Schleussner will join the executive board as the new Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer and Labour Director.
Frank Bauer, previously CFO and CHRO of Lufthansa Cargo, began his career with the group in 2007. Following assignments in China with Jade Cargo and various roles within Lufthansa and Eurowings, he has led the cargo division’s Finance and Human Resources functions since 2023. His technical expertise and deep sector knowledge make him a key figure for ensuring future operational efficiency.
Gregor Schleussner, currently head of Finance, Controlling and Accounting at Eurowings, brings solid experience in strategic control, investor relations and resource management. Since 2006, he has held several positions at Lufthansa, including Head of the Group CEO’s Office. At Lufthansa Cargo, he will oversee not only Finance and Human Resources but also the legal department, political affairs, information management, procurement and infrastructure.
