On 22 May 2025, Lufthansa Cargo unveiled major enhancements in the field of temperature-controlled air freight. Specifically, the German carrier introduced four new features designed to further improve service quality, transport speed and operational control. The first of these is the Pharma Control Tower, an operational centre that monitors all temperature-sensitive shipments in real time as they transit through the hubs of Frankfurt, Munich and Brussels. The service is available at the 30 Ceiv-certified stations and provides customers with rapid responses in the event of deviations or irregularities, offering a single point of contact regardless of whether active or passive support is used.
To reinforce the protection of Passive Temp Support shipments during ramp operations, Lufthansa Cargo has launched new Thermo Covers, thermal blankets that help maintain a constant internal temperature within the units. The service is offered free of charge and, in its initial phase, will be available from May to September on flights between Frankfurt and four destinations: Atlanta, Cairo, Chicago and Toronto. The aim is to gradually extend this solution to other routes and times of the year.
With smartUld, Lufthansa Cargo introduces a digital solution that enables real-time temperature monitoring within specific containers. Sensors installed inside the units continuously record data, generating a comprehensive profile that can be accessed in an intuitive format via the company’s website. This service is available for Active Temp Control shipments and marks a step forward towards increasingly transparent and predictive logistics.
Another innovation is the ability to combine Passive Temp Support with the td.Zoom option, which ensures minimal transit times and priority access to cargo capacity, with no weight restrictions. This solution is designed for highly sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, diagnostic reagents and high-tech components.
Lufthansa Cargo structures its temperature-controlled transport offering into two distinct solutions for temperature-sensitive shipments. The first, Active Temp Control, is based on technologically advanced containers capable of providing continuous thermal control, supported by coordinated processes. The second solution, Passive Temp Support, offers effective protection against temperature fluctuations through dedicated infrastructure and additional measures such as sun-reflective covers and climate-controlled storage areas. Even without active containers, shipments reach their destination in optimal conditions.
Both solutions are managed by qualified personnel and operate within a global network of over 350 stations, of which 230 are equipped for passive support and 120 for active control. At the heart of the system is the Ceiv-certified Pharma Hub in Frankfurt, the largest in Europe for handling temperature-controlled goods. This is supported by an international network that includes 30 Ceiv Pharma stations – including Munich and Brussels – and six Gdp-certified stations, ensuring high standards in pharmaceutical transport.
Future developments announced by Lufthansa Cargo include giving customers the ability to view container temperature data online at selected stations. At the same time, work is underway to upgrade the temperature-controlled road transport network to better meet the specific needs of its customers.
