Lufthansa Group Is Heading Back to Dubai: Flights Resume Late October 2026

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Great news for travelers looking to escape to the sun-soaked luxury of the UAE! Following a period of suspended services, the Lufthansa Group has officially announced that its airlines will gradually resume flight connections to Dubai, starting at the end of October 2026.

Whether you’re a business traveler with meetings in the financial district or a leisure seeker craving winter sunshine and world-class shopping, this update brings a much-needed boost to Middle Eastern travel options.

📅 The Flight Plan: What You Need to Know

Here are the key details of the resumption:

• When does it start? The gradual roll-out of resumed services kicks off in late October 2026.
• How often will they fly? Once peak operations are reached, airlines under the Lufthansa Group umbrella will offer up to 36 weekly flights to and from Dubai.
• Who is flying? While the group includes carriers like Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines, the combined network will give passengers more routing options across Europe into the UAE.

🌍 Why This Matters

The return of the Lufthansa Group to Dubai is a significant milestone for connectivity. According to the airline group, this gradual resumption is designed to strengthen their presence in the Middle East while "significantly expanding travel options for both business and leisure customers".

For European travelers, it means more competitive fares, better schedule flexibility, and the return of premium cabin options on a major legacy carrier. For Dubai, it’s yet another strong indicator of a bustling winter tourism season ahead.

🧳 Ready to Pack Your Bags?

With the end of October just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning your winter getaway. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the sprawling desert dunes, Dubai is ready to welcome you back—and soon, Lufthansa Group will be ready to take you there.

Travelore News: ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance

Star Alliance officially welcomed ITA Airways as its newest member, marking the completion of the Italian carrier’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance.

ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The ceremony was presided over by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, in the presence of media and institutional guests.

Starting April 1, ITA Airways will be fully connected into the Alliance’s global network, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport, served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively, with more than 1,150 destinations worldwide. Customers traveling across the network can now benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a more seamless customer experience, in and out of Italy.

Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance. This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort. With ITA Airways on board, we not only expand our network to and from Italy, but also elevate the connected experience of our customers when traveling across multiple airlines, through access to the world’s largest network of airport lounges, more comprehensive loyalty benefits, and other benefits like baggage tracking - all designed to enhance the journey at every step.”

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth. By becoming part of the world’s largest and most established global airline network, we significantly expand our international reach while offering our passengers a more seamless, consistent, and high‑quality travel experience, with access to over 1,150 destinations worldwide, smoother connections, integrated services, and a stronger premium proposition. At the same time, we enter Star Alliance bringing with us our distinctive Italian identity, enriching the Alliance and reinforcing ITA Airways’ role in connecting Italy with the world, combining global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define the Italian way of flying.”

ITA Airways’ induction into the Alliance has been mentored by the Lufthansa Group, and expert teams across the group airlines have facilitated an intense integration program over the last several months.

Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, said: “The Star Alliance membership is only possible thanks to the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance. We are pleased to introduce ITA Airways as a fully fledged hub airline into the Lufthansa Group and into the Alliance, expanding options for travelers across Europe and the world. Together, ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group, are unlocking a joint value proposition that will benefit our customers, our partners, and the Star Alliance ecosystem.”

ITA Airways, which flies over 16 million customers every year, adds more than 350 daily flights to the Alliance network, supported by a strong domestic and regional footprint. The addition expands travel options across Italy and Europe, while improving connectivity between Southern Europe and key international markets.

As part of its membership, eligible customers can enjoy priority services, lounge access across the Alliance network, and reciprocal frequent flyer program recognition, including earning and redeeming miles. Star Alliance Gold customers will also have access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan, and Catania.

With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance now comprises 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning over 190 countries.

The Italian airline ITA Airways is the newest member of the Lufthansa Group, with the Group having a 41 percent stake in the airline. Now, the network carriers consist of Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways. These airlines offer their customers a premium experience, with high-quality products and services. The multi-hub strategy offers passengers a comprehensive route network along with the greatest possible flexibility for their journey. Eurowings is positioned as a carrier with an exclusive focus on point-to-point traffic on European short- and medium-haul routes. The Passenger Airlines segment also includes the regional airlines Lufthansa CityLine, Lufthansa City Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Discover Airlines, and the equity investment in SunExpress, the joint venture with Turkish Airlines. Since the summer of 2021, Discover Airlines has complemented the Lufthansa Group's offering in the growing segment of leisure travel.

Aviation Services comprises the segments Logistics and MRO, as well as additional businesses, which in particular include Lufthansa Aviation Training and Lufthansa Systems.

The Lufthansa Group is currently investing in its onboard product, with both Lufthansa’s Allegris and SWISS Senses showcasing an entirely new travel experience. Lufthansa’s Allegris can already be experienced on certain long-haul routes. The full revamp will also include lounges, ground processes, individuality, and exclusivity.

Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines are already members of the Star Alliance.

Travelore News: Lufthansa’s Allegris Business Class Seats In The Boeing 787-9 Are Now Available For Booking On Flights Departing From March 29

As the partial certification of the new Allegris Business Class in the Dreamliner has made further significant progress in recent days, the seats – with the exception of three seats in the second row – are now expected to be approved even earlier. For travel from March 29 – and thus in time for the start of the summer flight schedule – bookings are now possible for 25 of a total of 28 seats.

On February 16, the Lufthansa Group announced that the seats would be available for booking from April 15. Now, Business Class on the Boeing 787-9 can be booked, with virtually no restrictions, for flights from the end of March. At least ten Dreamliners are expected to be in service from Frankfurt at this time. With 25 Allegris seats available for booking starting today, over 200 additional business class seats in the state-of-the-art and successful Allegris class will be available for purchase every day.

From Frankfurt, Allegris will fly to Austin, Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá, Cape Town, Shanghai, Hyderabad, and Hong Kong at the start of the summer flight schedule. From June, the destinations will be New York JFK and Los Angeles, followed by Delhi in July. The Dreamliner will also fly to Toronto, Montréal, Lagos, and Malabo, initially with some flights featuring Allegris and others without.

The Boeing 787-9 has been flying with Allegris from Frankfurt since October 9, 2025. Nine brand-new aircraft have already arrived in Frankfurt, and 20 more Dreamliners have been ordered. Lufthansa Airlines plans to have a total of 29 Boeing 787-9s by the end of 2027.

The New Personalized Premium Menu Plan From The Lufthansa Group Allows You To Pre-Order Your Meals And Drinks

What food options are available on my flight, and which meal would I like to pre-order? What drinks would I like? How can I ensure that I will receive my favorite meal?

Due to the Lufthansa Group's new “Culinary Journey,” guests flying with Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines, will find it even easier to pre-order and enjoy their favorite meals and snacks. The “Culinary Journey” bundles all food and beverage offerings for the entire flight experience, regardless of whether guests are flying with one or more Group Airlines on their trip. It includes the digital menu, pre-order options, and a feedback function. The offerings vary depending on the airline and travel class.

Premium in all travel classes

Customers can access the new offer either directly via the Lufthansa Group app, the website, or via a link in the information email sent before departure. The appropriate culinary selection is automatically provided for each guest based on their booking. Whether it's a short-haul flight in Economy Class or a long-haul flight in First Class, the “Culinary Journey” offers a tailor-made experience in all travel classes.

Guests also benefit from this new offer if they have a connecting flight and are flying with more than one Lufthansa Group airline. For example, a guest who has booked a trip with several flights can travel with Austrian Airlines from Vienna to Frankfurt and from there with Lufthansa to New York – and select their meals and drinks in advance for both flights via the “Culinary Journey.”

Tailor-made cuisine on every flight

“For the first time, customers flying with Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines can see all their food and beverage options for their flight at a glance - even on connecting flights with different airlines,” explained Caroline Drischel, Senior Vice President Customer Journey for the Group. “The ‘Culinary Journey’ makes the comprehensive range of services offered by the Lufthansa Group, which we represent with our premium airlines, even more consistent and enjoyable for our customers than ever before.”

More choice and guaranteed favorite dishes

Additionally, customers often benefit from an expanded range of meals that may not be available later on board. For example, passengers on long-haul flights can choose from up to nine main courses, including exclusive creations prepared especially for users of the new service. The “Culinary Journey” also gives travelers the certainty that they will always receive exactly the meal they want.

On shorter flights, guests can choose from a range of tasty buy-on-board products such as sandwiches, bowls, salads or cakes. These guests also benefit from an exclusive 10 percent discount. Pre-orders enable better planning for flight catering, which helps reduce food surpluses.

The offer also includes a direct option for providing feedback and preferences so that customer opinions can be incorporated into the further development of the “Culinary Journey.”

Travelore News: SWISS’s First Airbus A350 Makes Its Maiden Flight

Planes are built to fly. But it’s still a special moment when a new aircraft takes off for the very first time. This is what occurred yesterday with SWISS’ first, new Airbus A350-900, at the manufacturer’s Toulouse facility. The aircraft name was also unveiled as: Lausanne.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has marked a further milestone in the modernization of its long-haul aircraft fleet. The first of the company’s new Airbus A350s took off from the Airbus manufacturing facility in Toulouse yesterday at 11:27 (local time)for its first test flight. During the flight, which lasted several hours, Airbus specialists carefully monitored the aircraft and its performance with a focus on various areas, such as its aerodynamics, steering and handling, cabin pressure, avionics and electrical and air-conditioning systems. The aircraft is the first of ten A350-900s of which SWISS will take delivery.

A fleet modernization for a new era

SWISS will welcome ten Airbus A350-900s to its aircraft fleet between now and 2031. All ten aircraft will be delivered complete with the airline’s new ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin. The new long-haul twinjet consumes some 25% less fuel, produces around 25% fewer carbon dioxide emissions and generates up to 50% lower noise emissions.

Enchanté, mon nom est Lausanne

SWISS’s first Airbus A350 has been named Lausanne. The city on Lake Geneva is one of the most important in Switzerland, and is a hub of culture, internationality and innovation. The home of the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne is not just a key business and economic center: it’s a popular travel destination, too, with its lakeside location, its charming Old Town and its wide range of arts and cultural attractions.

Final assembly in Toulouse

Airbus has been steadily assembling SWISS’ first A350 – manufacturer’s serial number 737 – at its Toulouse production facility over the past few months. The work has seen the company’s specialist personnel join the fuselage, wings, engines and tail unit, install the new ‘SWISS Senses’ cabin and (finally) apply the aircraft’s unique ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery, which is a homage to Switzerland and its diversity.

A comprehensive testing program for maximum reliability

SWISS’ first Airbus A350 has already undergone extensive testing on the ground over the past few weeks. This has seen its engines, its handling at various taxi and ground roll speeds and its breaking and steering technologies all thoroughly assessed. A high-speed takeoff abort was also simulated as part of these activities, which is designed to comprehensively test the aircraft’s key safety items such as its landing gear, hydraulics, electronics and fuel systems.

‘Swissification’ still to come

For yesterday’s test flight, SWISS’ first Airbus A350 carries the registration F-WZHI, because the aircraft is still the responsibility of Airbus and the French authorities. Only when its ownership is formally transferred on its delivery to SWISS, in early October, will it receive its designated Swiss registration of HB-IFA.

Swiss To Resume Flights To Tel Aviv At End Of September

Swiss International Airlines, part of the Lufthansa group, will resume flights to Tel Aviv in Israel on September 29, the airline said on Wednesday after deciding in June to suspend the route as regional tensions escalated.

"A renewed assessment of the situation has shown that an earlier resumption is possible," it said in a statement, adding flights to Beirut in Lebanon would resume, as planned, from August 3.

Discover Airlines Brings Orlando Its First Direct Connection To Munich, Germany Beginning March 5th

Great news for Orlando as Discover Airlines, a member of the Lufthansa Group, launches direct flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Munich Airport (MUC). This marks the first-ever scheduled connection between MCO and MUC, with flights now operating three times a week, year-round. In March and April, flights will operate out of Orlando on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the late evening, shifting to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in May.

The inaugural flight 4Y80 is scheduled to take off from Munich today, Wednesday, March 5, at 4:55pm, and land in Orlando at 9:30 PM, marking the inaugural direct connection between the two cities. All times are local.

The Lufthansa Group carrier, Discover Airlines, has been serving Orlando since November 2022, providing several weekly flights from Frankfurt. With the addition of the Munich connection, Discover Airlines now offers a total of 10 weekly flights between Germany and Orlando, including daily service from Frankfurt and three times weekly from Munich. Munich Airport serves the southern part of Germany and is the second largest airport in the country, after Frankfurt.

“We are thrilled to offer this first-ever direct route between Orlando and Munich, marking a significant milestone for our airline and of course both regions. Since we started flying here from Frankfurt, Orlando has been one of the most frequented destinations of our airline. The success of our Frankfurt service made Munich the logical next step. Orlando has always been a strong partner for us. We look forward to further strengthening the connection between both regions and offering even more travel options for our passengers,” said Marco Goetz, Chief Commercial Officer of Discover Airlines.

“Orlando International Airport (MCO) is excited to welcome Discover’s new nonstop service to Munich, marking an exciting milestone for our city,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates Orlando International Airport. “For the first time ever, Munich will be a direct destination from Orlando, a testament to the growing demand for international travel. This new service is a perfect reflection of the increased global connectivity at Orlando International Airport, which continues to evolve as a key hub for travelers from around the world and for those who call Central Florida home.”

Lufthansa Group offers vast, worldwide connectivity

As a member of the Lufthansa Group, Discover Airlines offers its passengers seamless transfers via the Group’s main German hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Furthermore, with the Lufthansa Group being one of the world’s leading aviation organizations, customers have access to an extensive worldwide network. Lufthansa Group is comprised of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, ITA Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and Discover and has code share flights with United Airlines and Air Canada, as a result of the Atlantic Joint Venture. Furthermore, due to Discover Airlines’ partnership with Miles&More and Mileage plus, guests are able to collect/redeem miles.

High-quality service and comfort with three travel class options

Discover Airlines operates the Orlando – Munich route with an Airbus A330, featuring up to 300 seats, including 30 Business Class seats with full lie-flat beds, 31 Premium Economy seats, and 244 Economy seats. This diverse seating arrangement ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey for every traveler, with a high-quality experience across all classes.

In Business Class, passengers can enjoy an all-inclusive experience with meals and beverages included. Premium Economy passengers are treated to complimentary meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and a selection of beer and wine. In Economy, all meals and a variety of soft drinks are included, while alcoholic beverages, including an extensive range of cocktails, are available for purchase from the onboard bar, open to both Premium Economy and Economy passengers.

Beyond dining, passengers can enjoy a comprehensive entertainment experience with personal screens at every seat, offering free, unlimited access to a wide selection of films and TV shows in all classes. Internet access is available for purchase across all classes.

Flights can be booked via discover-airlines.com and lufthansa.com.

Swiss International Air Lines Begins New Service From Washington, DC To Zurich

Great news for those in the Washington DC area looking to travel to Switzerland, throughout Europe and beyond: This past week, SWISS launched daily flights to Washington DC from Zurich, and with this, continues to expand its route network throughout North America.

We are thrilled to launch this flight, linking these two great cities, and offering new travel opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. Our new route is not only an important addition to the SWISS intercontinental network, but another significant milestone in the bourgeoning Swiss – US relationship,” said Dieter Vranckx, SWISS CEO, on his US visit celebrating the launch of the new service. “Washington DC is more than just another city in our growing North American network, it is the capital of our most significant market with catchment area of customers from government, business, academia and leisure,” noted Vranckx.

The daily flight is one of three new intercontinental routes SWISS is launching this summer season, with Toronto, Canada and Seoul, South Korea slated in the coming months.

SWISS, the leading airline of Switzerland, operates one of the youngest fleets in Europe with 87 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. It has transformed Zurich Airport into one of the continent’s leading hubs. Currently serving 114 destinations from Switzerland, the airline carried some 16.5 million passengers in 2023 and is focused on continuing to offer customers in Switzerland and beyond a premium experience in all classes. As part of its investments for the future, SWISS has earmarked five billion Swiss Francs by 2027 encompassing new environmentally friendly aircraft, like the A350-900, entering service next year, as well as its Swiss Senses onboard long-haul product upgrade. The investments will also boost sustainability endeavors and new staff recruitment.

As a key component of the Lufthansa Group in North America, SWISS’s new DC routes make Dulles Airport one of the airline group’s leading North American gateways.

"This new SWISS route is a significant step for the Lufthansa Group in that finally all four of our network passenger airlines, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS, now serve the capital of the United States, making Washington Dulles only the second US gateway to offer customers flights to all five Lufthansa Group hubs,” said Dirk Janzen, Vice President Passenger Sales, The Americas, Lufthansa Group Airlines. “Outside of our home markets, North America is our most important region, and expanding our footprint in DC solidifies our presence across the US and Canada,” he added.

Lufthansa Group in DC and North America

The Lufthansa Group carriers fly from 31 North American gateways, offering 484 weekly frequencies. At Dulles Airport, the group operates 39 weekly frequencies. Further bolstering its presence locally, on May 31, Lufthansa will place its Airbus A380 aircraft on its Washington DC – Munich route, for the duration of the summer season.

Following the inaugural flight, Chryssa Westerlund, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said: "We extend a warm welcome to our 41st airline partner at Washington Dulles, Swiss International Air Lines. With the introduction of their new service to Zurich, Switzerland, travelers now have more options than ever to visit Europe and beyond. Washington Dulles offers nonstop service to 140 cities across the United States and around the world."

While SWISS is popular for its global network, as the airline of Switzerland it is eager to offer US travelers a new service straight to the country’s leading tourist destinations.

"In 2023, Switzerland saw a record increase of 23.4% (compared to the previous record, 2019) in overnights generated from the USA,” said Claudio Zemp, Switzerland Tourism Director, The Americas. “We see ever-increasing demand for Switzerland’s wonderful boutique towns, rustic alpine resorts, and scenic train journeys and we are extremely happy that SWISS provides additional airlift out of DC to our guests."

SWISS onboard experience

The SWISS A330-300 aircraft has a three-class configuration consisting of eight First Class armchair seats, 45 Business Class seats and 183 Economy Class seats.

In First Class, the seats can be turned into a lounge armchair, a table for two, or a bed with a mattress and privacy walls. Guests can adjust the integrated air cushions to suit their individual needs. Business Class seats offer a spacious workplace that converts into a roomy two-meter flat bed. Also, the seat’s integrated massage function will pamper guests while enroute and ensure that you arrive relaxed at your destination.

Culinary offerings while onboard

Since December 2002, SWISS has been taking First and Business Class travelers on its long-haul services from Switzerland on a journey of culinary discovery through its home country’s various regions. Every three months a new Michelin-starred and GaultMillau-point top chef is invited to create a varied selection of quality dishes from their ‘home’ canton, with a particular focus on regional and seasonal specialties.

Sustainability goals

SWISS has set the goal to redefine air travel for its customers, all while staying true to its ambitious sustainability goals for the future. The company plans to halve its 2019 net CO2 emissions by 2030 and make its business and operations entirely carbon-neutral by 2050, particularly by promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels. The coming A350 aircraft will cut CO2 emissions by some 25% compared to its predecessor A340. While SWISS has one of Europe’s most modern aircraft fleets already, the A350s will assist in continuing to offer a high level of customer satisfaction while further reducing the carbon footprint.

The New Service in Brief

Route Flight number Flight days Departure – Arrival (local times) Washington DC – Zurich LX 73 Daily 8:45pm-10:50am Zurich – Washington DC LX 72 Daily 12:55pm-4:15pm

Flights are now available at http://www.swiss.com.

Edelweiss To Launch Airbus A350 Service, Initially To Las Vegas And Vancouver

Edelweiss will debut Airbus A350 service in Switzerland, with the first of six aircraft joining the fleet in April 2025.

Las Vegas and Vancouver are the initial long-haul destinations for the Airbus A350, with flights commencing from mid-May 2025. Ticket bookings for Airbus A350 long-haul flights will open from mid-May 2024.

The environmentally friendly Airbus A350-900, replacing older A340-300s, boasts cutting-edge technology for increased efficiency and reduced emissions, consuming 25% less fuel and emitting 25% less CO2

By André Orban

Lufthansa Strike: Special Flight Schedule In Effect For Friday November 25th

Yesterday evening, the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) pilots’ union announced another extension of the strike that has been ongoing since Wednesday.

Tomorrow, Friday, 25 November, all Lufthansa flights within Germany and Europe will be affected. A special flight schedule is in effect for tomorrow.

On Friday, 2,170 of the Lufthansa Group’s approximately 3,000 scheduled flights will be operating as planned. Tomorrow, on the third consecutive day of strikes, over 100,000 passengers will be affected due to the cancellations of 830 short- and medium-haul flights. Long-haul flights will be operating almost as scheduled, although there may be occasional cancellations of these flights resulting from the strikes on the previous days. In total, over 315,000 passengers have been affected by the cancellation of 2,618 flights.

Lufthansa is calling on the pilots’ union once more to develop a joint solution for the dispute through arbitration. Harry Hohmeister, Chief Officer Hub Management of Deutsche Lufthansa AG: “The status quo is that we pay our pilots significantly more than our competitors do. As members of the executive board, we are responsible for more than 120,000 employees and want to keep Lufthansa viable for the future. That will not be possible with a demand for a 20 percent increase in pay.”

The Group airlines Eurowings, Germanwings, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Air Dolomiti and Brussels Airlines are not affected by the strike. The pilots of Lufthansa Cargo have also not been called on to strike. Flights to and from Germany that are operated by Group airlines are proceeding as scheduled. Austrian Airlines and SWISS have also increased their capacity on flights to Germany by using larger aircraft for the time being.

Customers whose flights have been cancelled due to the strike have the one-time option to transfer or cancel their booking free of charge. In addition to this, all passengers with tickets for flights travelling to, from or through Germany by tomorrow have the one-time option to transfer their booking at no cost. For routes within Germany, there is also the option to exchange the flight ticket for a Deutsche Bahn voucher. On LH.com, passengers can find additional information under “Aktuelle Fluginformationen” (current travel information).

Lufthansa is doing everything in its power to minimize the impact of the strike on its guests. Thousands of hotel rooms have been booked in the Rhine-Main and Munich areas. For passengers who cannot enter Germany due to visa restrictions, Lufthansa has set up folding cots in cooperation with Fraport. Employees are providing passengers in the terminals who have been affected by the strike with beverages, snacks and telecommunication options. Lufthansa is notifying all passengers that have provided contact information in their customer profiles of any cancellations by e-mail or SMS.

Lufthansa is asking all its customers to take precaution by checking the status of their flight on LH.com before travelling to the airport. Customers in Germany can also call our free hotline at 0800 850 60 70 for information (free from German landlines).

Lufthansa Group: More Surcharges, Three Classes Of Economy With New Commercial Strategy

Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Swiss is about to revolutionize rate strategies and the way airlines sell tickets and provide services. Of course it's all about confusing consumers and increasing profit.

Buying from the airlines website will cost passengers EURO 16.00 per ticket. Buying from other websites may cost even more. Unfortunately no matter where someone buys tickets on Lufthansa Group - there will never be just the original fare anymore.

Economy will have several different service levels, they all come with a different tariff.

Within this year the Lufthansa Group expects to generate an adjusted EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of more than EUR 1.5 billion before costs (strike-related action). This new commercial strategy is to ensure that, in future, a greater portion of the revenue will be earned from flight operations; the actual area of service to the customer.

Jens Bischof, member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says: “Until now, the percentage of revenue generated from the sale of flight tickets by our airlines has continuously decreased. While other service and system partners in the value chain are recording increasing margins and returns, our airline’s earnings have been compromised over time, even though they are the actual providers of flight services. We want to counteract this trend by refocusing our commercial strategy.”

In the future, the airlines will therefore offer their services on a more flexible and modular basis, with individualized price options and ancillary services. The previously announced group-wide new Economy Class fare concept on European flights, to be introduced by Summer 2015, will enable the passenger to select their desired services, with such fare options as, “Light”, “Classic” and “Flex”. Based on the principle “you only pay for the services you want”, these branded fares will offer a variety of options. More customized services will better reflect customers’ preferences.

The new commercial strategy also includes a clear cost differentiation in the various booking channels. Presently, the costs for using global distribution systems (GDS) are several times higher than for other booking methods, such as our own online portalwww.LH.com. In total, the yearly GDS costs come to a three-digit million euro amount for the Lufthansa Group. These services, however, are primarily used by other partners in the value chain. A large number of services are paid by the Lufthansa Group carriers, but are only partly used by them. Among others, the GDS services comprise functionalities, which offer many extra services in addition to the basic features of booking, processing and ticketing. Such examples include the option of combining and booking world-wide, multi-airline flight offers, as well as, an integrated booking and invoice processing.

As of 1 September 2015, the Lufthansa Group airlines will, therefore, include a surcharge, the “Distribution Cost Charge” (DCC) of EUR 16 for every ticket issued by a booking channel using GDS. The new charge will not be added to flight tickets purchased using own booking channels. This predominately includes the airlines’ websites (www.LH.com, www.swiss.com, www.austrian.com,www.brusselsairlines.com), as well as, the service center and ticket counter at the airports. Travel agencies will also be able to book tickets without the DCC, using the online portal at www.LHGroup-agent.com. Furthermore, corporate customers will be able to book their individually negotiated contract rates excluding the DCC atwww.LH.com. Customers of Lufthansa Group Airlines can of course count on continued fare transparency. The display of the ticket will always show the final fare.

Innovative ancillary services and enhanced price options require suitable sales technology. The technology of our existing sales systems cannot adequately display the individual offers, with their variety of product components. The Lufthansa Group’s airlines are, therefore, in the process of developing a new booking method to enable sales partners to connect to their IT systems directly based on the new IATA data standard NDC (New Distribution Capability). The first NDC pilot project is currently being tested at Swiss and should begin at Lufthansa during the course of this year.

CCO Jens Bischof explains: “At present, airlines are not yet able to market their services via all sales channels, as it is common in other industries. The contracts and structures have previously prevented any deregulation in many areas. We want to change this with our new commercial strategy and take advantage of greater degrees of freedom in our sales activities, providing our customers with the exact tailor-made services that they are looking for and wherever they are looking for them.”

Lufthansa Group Further Refines Its Safety Structures

Group member airlines to adopt “rule of two” for aircraft cockpits;
Group Safety Pilot reporting directly to the Group CEO

In coordination with the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrtbundesamt) other German airlines and the German aviation industry association (Bundesverband der deutschen Luftverkehrswirtschaft), the airlines of the Lufthansa Group are to adopt a new cockpit occupancy procedure as a precautionary measure. Under the new procedure, two authorized persons must be present in the cockpit at all times during a flight. 

The passenger airlines of the Lufthansa Group will adopt the new procedure as soon as possible, in due consultation with their national aviation authority.  

The Lufthansa Group is also expanding its safety structures. In addition to the safety pilots at each of its member airlines, the new position of Group Safety Pilot has been created until further notice. The new post will be assumed with immediate effect by Captain Werner Maas, who will hold it in parallel with his current function as Safety Pilot of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Captain Maas will have overarching group-wide responsibility for examining and further refining all flight safety-relevant procedures in his new capacity, in which he reports directly to Group CEO Carsten Spohr.

Travelore News: Lufthansa Publishes Flight Timetables For Vereinigung Strike For October 20th & 21st

·         Around half the flights planned from Munich during the strike period will take off as normal

·         A large number of short and medium-haul flights and nearly all long-haul flights from Frankfurt will have to be canceled on Tuesday

·         Special flight timetables should enable flight operations to return to plan once the strike is over

Following the announcement by the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union that a strike will take place from October 20, 1.00 p.m. CEST until October 21, 11.59 p.m. CEST, Lufthansa has published a second special flight timetable on www.LH.com this morning. This supplements the first special flight plan published yesterday and includes other flights to and from Munich that will be operating in spite of the strike. Around half of all Lufthansa’s planned short, medium and long-haul flights from Munich are expected to take place during the strike period. The short and medium-haul flights will predominately be operated by Lufthansa’s regional subsidiary, CityLine, which is not affected by the strike. The special flight plan for Munich was also published this morning.

The Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union announced early this morning its intention to extend the strikes to long-haul connections on Tuesday and flight traffic will see much more severe disruption tomorrow as a result. On Tuesday, Lufthansa will have to cancel the majority of short and medium-haul flights to and from Frankfurt and suspend almost all long-haul traffic. The airline published a third special flight plan with information on flights to and from Frankfurt on its website this afternoon. Long-haul flights to and from Düsseldorf should operate on schedule despite the strike.

Lufthansa published a special flight plan for the first 24 hours of the strike yesterday. Its intention was to operate around 700 of the 2,150 flights planned for the strike period. The union’s surprising announcement this morning that the strike would be expanded,made it necessary to cancel other flights and update the flight timetables once again. By drawing up special flight plans, Lufthansa intends to ensure that scheduled operations can be resumed at all sites as soon as the strike comes to an end.

Simone Menne, Chief Officer Finances and Aviation Services at Deutsche Lufthansa AG, criticized the actions of the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union and said, “The strikes not only cause severe economic damage to Lufthansa, but they also harm its reputation, with considerable consequences for our company and employees that remain unforeseeable even today. Why the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union is blocking a solution to the collective bargaining conflict without compromise, is no longer comprehensible. This is despite the fact that all the other groups of employees have made a constructive contribution to Lufthansa’s success in the future. Our investors expect sustainable and competitive structures across all areas. This also applies to retirement and transitional benefits.”

Lufthansa will be concentrating today and tomorrow on informing and assisting the passengers affected by the strike. Passengers whose flights are canceled due to the strike have the option of rebooking or canceling the flight free of charge. Passengers who have booked a flight for October 20 or 21 that will not be canceled, can also rebook their ticket for free. Tickets for domestic German flights can also be exchanged for a train ticket at www.LH.com or at a Lufthansa Quick Check-In machine. Some 60,000 text messages and 30,000 emails have been sent to passengers who have provided their contact details, notifying them of changes to the flight timetable. The airline has already reserved 3,800 hotel rooms for passengers stranded because of the strike. Call center capacities have been maximized. Snacks, drinks and additional staff members will also be on hand to help passengers with re-bookings at the airports in Frankfurt and Munich.

Lufthansa employees are continuing to work around-the-clock, primarily to reroute transfer passengers via the hubs in Zurich, Vienna or Brussels, in order to get them to their destination on schedule despite the strike. Flights operated by the Lufthansa Group airlines Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Germanwings, SWISS and Air Dolomiti (operated by OS, SN, 4U, LX, EN) will take place as planned during the strike. Lufthansa Cargo is also largely unaffected by the strike.

Travelore Update: Lufthansa Group Resumes Flights To Erbil

Decision is in effect until further notice / this concerns flights by Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines from Frankfurt and Vienna / Group airlines continue to make detour around Iraqi airspace in transit traffic

Based on the most recent assessments of the security situation in Iraq, the Lufthansa Group resumes flight operations to Erbil in northern Iraq . Austrian Airlines put its daily flight from Vienna back on the schedule yesterday. Flight OS829 departed at 10:15 a.m. Lufthansa flies from Frankfurt to Erbil twice a week. The first scheduled flight is LH696 on Saturday, August 30 (departure time 10:10 a.m.). Both airlines had most recently suspended their flights to Erbil on August 8.

The northern Iraqi city lies outside of the conflict zone controlled by IS. According to the most recent assessments, the security situation allows for safe flight operations to Erbil. The Lufthansa Group will continue to avoid Iraqi airspace in transit traffic, for instance to Asia and the Middle East.

Furthermore, Lufthansa continues to carefully monitor the development of the security situation in Iraq and is in close regular contact with the respective international and national security authorities. The safety of passengers and crews is the highest priority for the airlines of the Lufthansa Group.

About Lufthansa

One of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa currently flies to 253 destinations in 103 countries, with hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and with the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS – Vienna, Brussels and Zurich.  From its 20 North American gateways, Lufthansa and its partners serve over 450 destinations in more than 120 countries.  An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world.  Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-400 and the 747-8, as well as the Airbus A330, A340 and A380.  Currently, Lufthansa has nearly 300 new aircraft worth about $48 billion on order.  Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and was the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, the industries’ two most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft.  Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues its $150 million program earmarked for building new or upgrading existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend more than $3.6 billion in new onboard products and services by 2015.  In 2010, Lufthansa re-launched its broadband wireless Internet service onboard, FlyNet.  For more information or reservations, visitwww.LH.com.