Lufthansa Cargo has completed its takeover of LUG aircargo handling, having obtained all the necessary antitrust clearances. With the transaction LUG becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the German cargo airline and is another step in the expansion of its cargo handling business in its domestic market.

On September 7, 2026, the acquisition agreement with the Dettmer Group was signed. The deal aims to consolidate Lufthansa Cargo’s handling infrastructure in Germany, improve Lufthansa Cargo’s long-term competitiveness and create further opportunities to support its future growth.

LUG will continue to operate as an independent company and will trade under its established brand, despite joining the Lufthansa Cargo group. Existing customer contracts and commercial relationships will be unchanged. The company will also continue to service other airlines' freight, remaining a service provider within the broader air cargo industry.

“The integration will provide LUG with further development opportunities. Lufthansa Cargo will support the handling company in leveraging its operational capabilities, consolidating its position as a logistics service partner and exploring new business opportunities.

“The completion of the transaction is a significant milestone for our expansion strategy,” said Frank Bauer, Chief Operations Officer of Lufthansa Cargo.

“Completing this acquisition establishes an important platform for additional growth and increased flexibility in our home market. This is not just a question of more space and capacity: LUG’s employees have a wealth of expertise and many years of experience in air cargo handling. Customers appreciate their knowledge and it is important to further development. We are thrilled to welcome our new colleagues and look forward to working with them to seize the opportunities ahead for both companies. “LUG will remain an independent partner to its current and future customers,” he said.

Supplementary capacity to support investment program in Frankfurt

The new handling capacities will complement Lufthansa Cargo’s existing investments in infrastructure, especially its modernization program at Frankfurt Airport, known as LCCevo. The project is part of the company’s broader program to upgrade its operational facilities and is backed by an investment of around €600 million.

Lufthansa Cargo plans to use the additional capacity of LUG to improve its operational performance and continue to improve its infrastructure to maintain its reliable, high-quality services for customers.

LUG has over six decades of experience in air cargo.

LUG has more than 60 years of experience in handling air cargo with a staff of around 400 people, and is based on a solid foundation of extensive industry experience. Its teams have developed expertise in a number of cargo segments as well as a detailed understanding of the operational demands of international airlines.

These capabilities have helped the company build long-term relationships with its customers and maintain consistent levels of service in a competitive market.

The know-how of the workforce and the operational knowledge of LUG are expected to remain important assets in Lufthansa Cargo. LUG’s know-how in handling and Lufthansa Cargo’s infrastructure and resources are to be combined for the development of both businesses and to create new opportunities in the air freight handling market in Germany.