First x-ray imaging system for entire airfreight containers in operation

Lufthansa Cargo is utilising new-generation x-ray technology in its security regime. The new systems scan the entire contents of airfreight containers for the first time instead of individual shipments. Supplied by the Smiths Heimann company, the systems will be used in Frankfurt. Munich and Johannesburg to enhance the efficiency of security screening of air cargo. More of the systems are to be procured at a later date. 

The new equipment, with a tunnel size of 1.8 x 1.8 metres, scans entire LD3 airfreight containers through-and-through, without having to open them to x-ray individual shipments inside. Moreover, the two generators can scan along the sides of the containers as well as from above. Not only does the new technology enhance security, it is also more efficient.

The new technology will enable Lufthansa Cargo to comply with US security requirements for air cargo: All inbound and outbound cargo on passenger aircraft to the USA must be 100% screened from August 2010. That regulation has been in force for 50% of shipments since February this year. 

Customers will also benefit: Up to now, EU regulations have required shippers to be certified as “known consignors“ or “regulated agents“. That will not necessarily apply in future, since Lufthansa Cargo can guarantee the required security standard by screening entire containers.  

“Our aim is to create a security regime that suits customers,“ emphasised Lufthansa Cargo security chief Harald Zielinski. “We can guarantee top security standards at any one time only by investing consistently in innovative technology. With that approach, Lufthansa Cargo can entrench its position as industry leader in international airfreight security and offer its customers security at the cutting edge.” Lufthansa Cargo is investing a further two-digit euro millions in security measures in 2009.

Lufthansa Cargo is staging its second security conference in Frankfurt on 4 March next year. On the agenda are presentations and discussions with prestigious national and international experts on current trends and perspectives in air cargo security. Besides analysing the international security situation, the conference will look into the background of security regulations and discuss the technological, process and personnel challenges in the security debate.  

Lufthansa Cargo AG
Lufthansa Cargo ranks among the world’s leading cargo carriers. In the 2008 financial year, the airline transported around 1.7 million tonnes of freight and mail and clocked up 8.3 billion revenue tonne-kilometres. The Company currently employs about 4,600 people, worldwide. Lufthansa Cargo focuses on the airport-to-airport business. The cargo carrier serves some 300 destinations in 90 countries with its own fleet of freighters, the belly capacities of Lufthansa’s passenger aircraft and an extensive road services network.  Lufthansa Cargo is a wholly-owned Lufthansa subsidiary. In the 2008 financial year, it posted revenues totalling 2.9 billion euros. 


Press contact
Lufthansa Cargo AG
Communications                                     
Nils Haupt                                                                            
Tel.: +49 69 696 91123                                                             
Fax: +49 69 696 9891123                                                                                       nils.haupt@dlh.de                                         
www.lufthansa-cargo.com