Representatives of Lufthansa Cargo AG, Fraport AG, investors Rheinische

Grundbesitz & Beteiligungs AG, Bensheim, and the Hessian Ministry of Environment, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection recently took part in a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony that heralded the commencement of construction of a new animal station at Frankfurt Airport. By the end of 2007, the departments responsible for animal transport, which are currently still spread around the Frankfurt airport site, will be accommodated in an approximately 3,750 square meter gross floor area facility on the 7,150 square meter site near Gate 26. The building is scheduled for completion in early 2008.

'This new animal station is urgently needed, since our existing facilities are already operating at full capacity', said Karl-Heinz K'pfle, member of the Lufthansa Cargo Executive Board responsible for Operations. The construction of the station is further proof of Lufthansa's commitment to quality and its leading role as a driving force of innovation in the international airfreight industry, he said. Lufthansa Cargo will lease the animal station from Rheinische Grundbesitz & Beteiligungs AG and will be solely responsible for running it. Karl-Heinz Dietrich, chief representative for Commerce and Rental Management of Fraport AG stated,

'The new animal station is a further step in the positive development of our strategic partnership with Lufthansa Cargo. Together, we want to advance Frankfurt Airport up the international rankings: in terms of quality, efficiency and security."

Dr. Horst Kraushaar, head of Department V in the Hessian Ministry of Environment, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection, spoke warmly of the high quality standards Lufthansa Cargo would be bringing to Frankfurt airport with the new animal station,

'In Lufthansa Cargo, we have found an ideal and competent partner, since the company has years of experience, not just in worldwide animal transport, but also in operating a professional animal station suited to handling different species.'

Rheinische Grundbesitz & Beteiligungs AG Chief Executive, Dr. Wolfgang Dietz, agrees with this appraisal,

'We are delighted at the opportunity to invest in such a worthy project and are happy to support Fraport and Lufthansa Cargo in Frankfurt'.

Lufthansa Cargo is one of the world's leading providers of animal transport solutions.

Every year thousands of animals are transported on board the MD -11 freight aircraft and in Lufthansa Passage's belly holds. In addition to lug worms, ornamental fish and chicks, Lufthansa Cargo also transports more than 10,000 household pets and 1,300 horses annually.