Porto establishes itself as a strategic hub for Lufthansa’s global operations
A 45-year-old partnership drives growth, innovation and new ambitions for intercontinental expansion from the city
Over the past 45 years, since the first aircraft landed at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Porto has established itself as a strategic hub for the Lufthansa Group’s operations. This journey has been accompanied by continuous investment from Lufthansa Ground Services Portugal (LGSP), which today employs over three hundred staff, providing daily support to passengers worldwide from its headquarters on Avenida da Boavista.
During a visit to the service centre, the Mayor of Porto, Pedro Duarte, accompanied by the Councillor for the Economy, Transport and Tourism, Hugo Beirão, highlighted the importance of the operation based in the city, emphasising the scale of the services provided and the significance of the aviation sector for the local economy.
Currently, the Lufthansa Group operates 108 weekly flights from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and has ambitions to expand. This intention was recently reinforced, pending the outcome of the TAP privatisation process. Among the plans under consideration is the creation of intercontinental routes from Porto using long-haul aircraft, which could further strengthen the city’s international connectivity.
Pedro Duarte also highlighted Porto’s growth potential and the regional impact of this activity, emphasising LGSP’s contribution to the city’s international profile, the attraction of talent, and economic revitalisation.
Recognised as the world’s leading centre of expertise specialising in remote support for airports, LGSP provides support to more than 350 airport facilities across various operational areas. From Porto, multicultural teams ensure a continuous 24-hour service in several languages, whilst also contributing to the development of innovative technological solutions.
Alongside its core business, the company has strengthened its commitment to innovation and social responsibility. Notable initiatives include the creation of Help Alliance Portugal, dedicated to supporting start-ups in the areas of sustainability and social innovation, as well as the development of a new centre for start-ups in the tourism, aviation and defence sectors, and a research hub focused on artificial intelligence.
This set of initiatives consolidates Porto’s position as a major international hub in the fields of aviation, technology and innovation.
