Lufthansa Cargo reduced CO2 emissions by more than 700 tonnes through the use of lightweight containers in May and June alone. For the first time, more than half the LD3 standard containers utilised for freight and baggage transports were made from light composite materials. By reducing weight, the composite materials lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Being 13 kilos lighter than the conventional type, the aluminium containers make a weighty difference in close to 70,000 container movements over the two months.

Germany’s biggest cargo airline is currently engaged on a major exchange programme, in which around 5,000 new lightweight containers will be brought into service in the coming years.

“Reducing weight on board our aircraft is a key factor in lowering the fleet’s fuel consumption and emissions.,” emphasised Bettina Jansen, Head of Environmental Management at Lufthansa Cargo. “In the efforts to realise our ambitious environmental targets and reduce specific emissions by a quarter by 2020 on the 2005 level, we will continue investing in modern technology and press ahead with renewal of our container fleet.“