Lufthansa Cargo and a group of German logistics associations have launched the 'Cargo needs the night' initiative to promote the need for changes to night-flight restrictions. The managing director of the initiative, Ewald Heim, said: "The logistics sector is the backbone of Germany's export business. The basic prerequisite for its success in world markets is reliable, trouble-free air cargo connections. The 'Cargo needs the night' initiative will therefore press hard for competitive operating hours at commercial airports in Germany." The initiative will highlight the importance of the logistics industry for Germany's economy, which has about 40 per cent of the value of domestic exports transported worldwide by air, with night flights being a key component of functioning global supply chains. Lufthansa Cargo chief executive officer, Carsten Spohr, commented: "The right of local residents living near the airport to be protected from unnecessary noise is not at issue. We accept our responsibility as an airline and we are investing massive sums in new technologies. "At the same time, we are responsible for thousands of jobs in the logistics industry in Germany, which is an export and industrial nation. Germany is the world's second-largest exporter thanks above all to its logistics expertise. Anyone who shuts down central logistics hubs at night is acting irresponsibly and putting the future viability of Germany's export industry at risk." source: acn