European airline giant Lufthansa is set to increase its presence in India as it plans to launch flights from Munich to Bangalore and Frankfurt to Hyderabad later this year. The airline currently operates daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich; daily flights from Bengaluru to Frankfurt; and a five-times-weekly flight from Chennai to Frankfurt. By June 28th, Lufthansa’s weekly flights will increase from 54 to 56, and with the new routes, the airline will offer over 60 weekly flights.
Lufthansa’s Commitment to the Indian Market:
Lufthansa Group sees India as a significant market and aims to capitalize on the country’s untapped growth potential, especially in the post-COVID era. Harry Hohmeister, Member of the Executive Board Global Markets & Network at Lufthansa Group, acknowledged the airline’s delayed return to the Indian market post-pandemic but expressed optimism about the impressive growth observed in the region.
Airbus A380’s Post-Pandemic Recovery:
The Airbus A380 has experienced a more robust post-pandemic recovery than anticipated, thanks to a surge in customer demand. Lufthansa is among the airlines reintroducing the superjumbo into their operations. The company previously announced its intention to use the long-haul aircraft, which enjoys popularity among customers and crews, from summer 2023. Furthermore, Lufthansa is planning to reintroduce the superjumbo to the Asia-Pacific markets.
Harry Hohmeister attributes Lufthansa’s confidence in the aircraft’s success to the airline’s 2022 performance, carrying over 100 million passengers and generating an operating profit of 1.5 billion euros.
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Innovation and Investment in Aircraft:
Lufthansa is committed to making historically high investments in aircraft, with more than 200 aircraft on order to modernize its fleet. These new aircraft will soon be operational in Europe and available for public flights.
India’s Importance in Lufthansa’s Growth Strategy:
Hohmeister emphasized the growth potential of India’s aviation market, projecting a 10% annual increase in the sector and a GDP growth rate of 6-7% per year. These figures make India an attractive opportunity for the Lufthansa Group to expand its operations.
Lufthansa’s 25 Years of Operations in Chennai:
In 2019, Lufthansa marked its 25th anniversary of operations in Chennai. The airline began its regional operations in 1994 with bi-weekly flights from the city.
Lufthansa’s expansion plans in India reflect the airline’s commitment to tapping into the country’s growing aviation market. By adding new routes and reintroducing the popular Airbus A380 to its fleet, Lufthansa is positioning itself to benefit from India’s economic growth and the increasing demand for air travel. The airline’s significant investments in aircraft and its dedication to innovation further demonstrate Lufthansa’s confidence in the future of the aviation industry, both in India and globally.
