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Lufthansa Cargo Poised to Exit Narrowbody Freighter Market

Lufthansa Cargo appears set to divest its four Airbus A321 converted freighters after the aircraft underperformed financially since entering service in 2022 and 2023. The jets remain grounded at Frankfurt International Airport following the April shutdown of CityLine, the regional affiliate that operated the narrowbody fleet. Industry sources indicate the cargo carrier no longer requires the A321 capacity, as regional freight demand can be served through Lufthansa's passenger network and ground trucking operations. The aircraft were leased from BBAM Aircraft Leasing & Management and reconfigured for cargo operations. They were marketed for short- and medium-haul European routes targeting e-commerce and automotive customers. Despite public statements in March touting the A321s' operational value, Lufthansa Cargo now appears focused on unloading the underperforming assets rather than resuming scheduled operations.