Lufthansa Cargo (LH, Frankfurt International) is drawing up renewal plans ahead of the proposed complete retirement of its current fleet of twelve MD-11(F)s, due to be gone by 2024 at the latest.

In an interview with Cargoforwarder.eu, the firm's CEO, Peter Gerber, said that among the options being considered to replace the McDonnell Douglas freighters is the acquisition of more B777-Fs, of which the carrier currently operates five.

“We will need 8 to 9 B777Fs to replace them," he said. “It’s premature to determine whether we’ll buy or lease these aircraft. Both options come into consideration, depending on their availability and the given market situation.”

Also an option is the A350-900(F), should Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) ever offer the product, he added.

In terms of future commercial developments, the Lufthansa Group unit has no further plans to enter into joint-ventures akin to those recently signed with ANA Cargo, United Cargo, and Cathay Cargo.

“Of course, we are constantly evaluating the market for alike cooperative models but nothing concrete has emerged yet,” Gerber added.