Lufthansa Cargo has teamed up with DSV to implement a pilot project for the transport of highly sensitive semiconductor production machinery from Japan to Germany. “We wanted to demonstrate that we have the necessary product and service components at hand to address the unique requirements of the semiconductor industry,” explains Brinthavani Ehanantharajah-Przybilla, Senior Manager Industry Development – Semiconductors.

In June 2025, representatives from Tokyo and Frankfurt met with DSV for a workshop. The aim was to clarify the specific requirements in detail and to improve the import process at the hub FRA. Semiconductor production machines are extremely sensitive to vibrations, tilting, and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, processes were coordinated together with shock and tilt sensors, temperature monitoring, checklists, and clear handling rules.

At the end of August, two test shipments were made from Narita via Frankfurt to Dresden – both successful, with a third following in September. “These test runs have shown that we can meet the high requirements of the semiconductor industry,” says Kazuhiro Enya, Sales Manager Eastern Japan.

The project was a joint effort from the outset. In addition to the sales team in Japan and the industry development team in Frankfurt, the handling team contributed valuable practical knowledge. The time:matters Courier Terminal contributed its experience in special handling. Oliver Blum, Head of Airmail, Courier & Perishable Handling Frankfurt: “The key to success was that each side was able to contribute its perspective, from sales to handling. This allowed us to learn from each other and create a solution together.”

With the successful test shipments, the foundation has been laid for the safe handling of further transports of this kind in the future. Lufthansa Cargo is also working on incorporating the specific handling requirements into the booking system.