Germany's freight airline Lufthansa Cargo said its volumes hit an all-time high last year, totalling around 1.9m tonnes – a 5 per cent increase year-on-year.
The carrier also increased capacity by 8.6 per cent compared to 2010, thanks to the integration of Austrian Airlines and the expansion to eight B777 freighters in the fleet of its AeroLogic joint-venture.
Karl Ulrich Garnadt, Lufthansa Cargo CEO and chairman, said: 'We made full use of strong export demand to gain market share, especially in our German home market.
'On the other hand, the economic climate in the important Asian air freight market became increasingly bleak over the course of the year, and led to overcapacity and increased competition.
'That we managed to continue our growth course on a global level against that strong headwind manifests the strength and adaptability of Lufthansa Cargo,' he said.
Garnadt added that the carrier was cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.
'We will stay on our successful course and adjust our capacities flexibly in line with demand.'
