Lufthansa Cargo completes acquisition of LUG aircargo handling
Lufthansa Cargo has completed the acquisition of German air freight handling company LUG aircargo handling GmbH, strengthening its ground handling capacity following the receipt of all required antitrust approvals.
The transaction makes LUG a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo. The acquisition agreement was originally signed with the Dettmer Group on 7 September 2026, subject to regulatory approval, which has now been obtained.
LUG will continue operating as a separate company under its existing brand, maintaining its established customer relationships and contractual arrangements. The company will also continue providing cargo handling services to other airlines, preserving its position as a service provider to multiple carriers.
The acquisition expands Lufthansa Cargo’s access to handling infrastructure and operational expertise in Germany as it seeks greater flexibility in managing cargo volumes and supporting future growth.
LUG retains its independent operations
LUG has more than 60 years of experience in air cargo handling and employs approximately 400 people. Its activities cover the handling of different freight categories and services for international airline customers.
Under the new ownership structure, LUG’s existing commercial relationships will remain in place, while the company will have opportunities to develop additional business within the Lufthansa Cargo group.
Frank Bauer, Chief Operations Officer of Lufthansa Cargo, said the acquisition would provide additional handling capacity while bringing experienced employees into the wider organisation.
“This is about much more than additional space and capacity: LUG’s employees bring extensive expertise and many years of experience in air cargo handling,” said Frank Bauer, Chief Operations Officer of Lufthansa Cargo.
The company indicated that maintaining LUG’s established market position and relationships with other airlines remains part of its approach following the acquisition.
Acquisition complements Frankfurt infrastructure programme
The additional handling capacity will complement Lufthansa Cargo’s existing infrastructure in Germany, including the ongoing LCCevo modernisation programme at its Frankfurt hub.
Lufthansa Cargo is investing approximately €600 million in LCCevo to upgrade its cargo handling facilities and support future operational requirements.
That investment represents a separate infrastructure programme and is not the purchase price paid for LUG, which has not been disclosed.
The acquisition provides Lufthansa Cargo with additional operational capacity alongside its existing modernisation efforts, while LUG continues serving its established customer base under the new ownership structure.
