CargoBeamer awards rail traction contract to SBB
CargoBeamer has awarded SBB Cargo International a two-year contract to provide rail traction for its intermodal trains between Kaldenkirchen, Germany, and Domodossola, Italy, starting in 2027. The operator describes it as the largest traction agreement in its history. The 825-kilometre route currently operates 22 weekly round trips, up from 20, providing a total of 44 train services. The service also accommodates non-craneable semi-trailers and has a stated transit time of 23 hours. The two companies already cooperate on the Stuttgart–Milan route. The new contract forms part of a programme to expand the Kaldenkirchen and Domodossola terminals in 2027. At Kaldenkirchen, the first phase of the project will double capacity to approximately 140,000 loading units per year and introduce automated horizontal transhipment. Once the project is completed, annual capacity will exceed 200,000 units. The Domodossola terminal, located in Beura Cardezza, will also be upgraded in 2027. CargoBeamer expects to increase service frequencies further once both expanded facilities become operational.
Girteka expands European maintenance network
Girteka is expanding its European truck maintenance network with the opening of a new facility in Coesfeld, Germany. The company-owned centre is part of a strategy to bring maintenance operations closer to its main transport routes and customers, improving operational efficiency and vehicle availability. The investment follows the opening of a company-operated maintenance facility in Padborg, Denmark, in May 2026, reinforcing the group's plans to develop its own infrastructure in key European markets. The aim is to gain greater control over maintenance costs and quality while reducing fleet management difficulties. Vehicle availability is particularly important for high-value and temperature-controlled freight, where uninterrupted service is an essential operational requirement. According to CEO Edvardas Liachovičius, the expansion of the maintenance network must reflect the geographical spread of Girteka's transport operations, strengthening the company's ability to provide reliable services throughout Europe.
Lufthansa leads race for TAP stake
Lufthansa is reportedly ahead of Air France-KLM in the competition to acquire a minority stake in Portugal's state-owned airline TAP. Bloomberg reported on 14 October, citing people familiar with the matter, that the Portuguese government was expected to announce its decision following a cabinet meeting in Lisbon. Broadcaster SIC Notícias had previously indicated that Lufthansa could be selected because of more favourable financial terms than those offered by its rival. The two airline groups are competing for a stake of up to 44.9% in TAP, with a further 5% reserved for employees. The government's objective is to identify an industrial partner capable of expanding the airline's route network, strengthening its financial position and ensuring its long-term sustainability. TAP operates a network connecting Europe with Africa and Latin America, with a significant presence in Brazil. According to the Portuguese authorities, joining a larger airline group would enable TAP to increase its operational scale and improve its competitiveness. The partial privatisation follows substantial public financial support during the pandemic and comes at a time of economic difficulties. TAP reported a €99 million loss in the first half of the year, affected by rising fuel costs. Portugal's Finance Ministry, Lufthansa and Air France-KLM have declined to comment on the reports.
