Lufthansa Cargo has officially begun operating cargo services utilizing ITA Airways’ belly capacity, marking a major step toward expanding its global freight reach and solidifying Rome-Fiumicino as a key Southern European logistics hub. This strategic collaboration kicked off earlier this week with the arrival of the first cargo-laden ITA Airways flights in Rome. Managed under the Lufthansa Cargo umbrella, these flights—AZ673, AZ675, AZ679, and AZ681—carried a mix of general cargo, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, and perishables.
The integration of ITA Airways into Lufthansa Cargo’s global network allows direct freight movement from Latin America’s major gateways—São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires—into Rome. These routes are the first step in a phased expansion that will eventually cover the entire ITA Airways passenger network, subject to regulatory clearances.
Rome-Fiumicino is now poised to become Lufthansa Cargo’s new strategic hub in Southern Europe, expanding its influence in the Mediterranean region and connecting more efficiently with global trade lanes. This geographical positioning enhances accessibility to markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The partnership with ITA Airways delivers a significant uplift in cargo capacity for Lufthansa Cargo. The airline’s fleet includes 99 Airbus aircraft, of which 22 are long-haul widebodies. This addition will increase Lufthansa Cargo’s global belly cargo capacity by nearly 20%, according to company estimates—a considerable jump in available space for freight forwarders and shippers.
Notably, the fleet employed is comprised of modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, aligning with Lufthansa Cargo’s broader environmental and sustainability goals. These aircraft also support higher payload capabilities and improved temperature control, which is vital for pharmaceutical logistics and high-value perishables.
JAS Worldwide, a long-standing Lufthansa Cargo customer, became the first to utilize the new ITA Airways routes. The company, originally founded in Milan and now headquartered in Atlanta, GA, took advantage of the enhanced connectivity for its shipments. In a move underscoring growing customer interest in sustainable logistics, JAS also opted into the “Sustainable Choice” add-on service on the inaugural flight. This program allows customers to mitigate carbon emissions through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The first operations were supported on the ground by both Lufthansa Cargo and Aeroporti di Roma teams, who ensured seamless handling at Rome-Fiumicino Airport. Their collaboration was critical in maintaining schedule integrity and proper treatment of sensitive cargo, particularly pharmaceutical shipments.
This expansion not only increases capacity but also addresses a growing demand for diversified and resilient airfreight corridors. With capacity constraints and geopolitical shifts continuing to challenge global supply chains, additional lift out of Latin America provides a buffer for European importers and forwarders dependent on stable, high-frequency service.
Pending regulatory approvals, Lufthansa Cargo plans to roll out belly cargo access across all ITA Airways routes. This will likely include major passenger destinations across North America, the Middle East, and Asia, transforming ITA Airways into a fully integrated component of Lufthansa Cargo’s freight ecosystem.
Rome’s role as a logistics gateway is expected to strengthen over the coming months as volumes grow and operational integration deepens. Lufthansa Cargo’s ongoing strategy—pairing passenger airline belly space with freight optimization—is increasingly relevant in a market shaped by passenger travel recovery and growing e-commerce flows.
