Lufthansa Cargo Expands at Hartsfield-Jackson

Courtesy: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials are welcoming the expansion of an International airline there.  But it’s a flight you’ll never be able to fly.

An audio version of this report

That’s, unless, you’re a box. 



German carrier Lufthansa is replacing an older airplane used on the Atlanta to Frankfurt cargo route with a new, $270-million Boeing 777.

“The Lufthansa announcement for us was just huge,” says airport general manager Louis Miller. The plane has “more capacity to go worldwide,” he says.

Miller says the aircraft flies quieter and has a longer range with just two engines, making it more efficient. “So it’s just good for us.”

It also reflects the airport’s focus on growing cargo operations. 

Eleven airlines currently carry freight, but Miller says a new, $28-million cargo facility could help attract new carriers.  It’s scheduled for completion next year.  

Delta is the airport’s largest cargo carrier, followed by FedEx and UPS.