OTTO: LUFTHANSA CARGO AIMS TO TIGHTEN NETWORK, EXPAND ALLIANCES

OTTO: LUFTHANSA CARGO AIMS TO TIGHTEN NETWORK, EXPAND ALLIANCES    Lufthansa Cargo's goals are to establish a seamless global logistics network, and to expand its markets through the New Global Cargo alliance, and with increased partnerships.
   International companies 'require one-stop worldwide logistics systems that encompass every step in the entire transport chain,' said Andreas Otto, a board member for marketing and sales. 'Lufthansa Cargo's aim is to have a worldwide, high-frequency route network serving global clients in place in a few years time.'
   Otto, speaking at a German Aviation Press Club meeting in Hamburg, said the New Global Cargo alliance, formed with SAS Cargo and Singapore Airlines, is a big step toward a worldwide network.
   The alliance comprises 618 aircraft, 10 major hubs and a network covering intra-Europe and Europe/Asia. The alliance, which is open to additional members will offer common express service later this year, Otto said.
   Lufthansa Cargo plans to also expand its bilateral partnerships and its Business Partnership Program with international forwarders, Otto said. The partnership generates about 40 percent of the company's revenues.
   The company, which was the first to launch time-definite services, should continue to see growth in demand for express and time-definite services, Otto said.
   Lufthansa Cargo's sales efforts will shift to electronic channels, such as the company's eBooking system, online marketplaces such as the GF-X online air cargo trading platform and call centers, Otto said. Later this month, his company will introduce a fourth version of its online eBooking system, which allows shipments to be booked direct on Lufthansa Cargo from forwarding systems through Traxon and EDI in Germany, he added.
   Otto said a possible night flight ban at Frankfurt airport is one of the greatest risks facing his company. 'The global logistics chain does not stand still at night. Frankfurt airport is the backbone of the German export industry. Not just Lufthansa Cargo, but the entire economy depends on round-the-clock operation.'