LUFTHANSA EXPANDS HONG KONG TO MUNICH SERVICE, ADDING THREE EXTRA NIGHT FLIGHTS A WEEK

Lufthansa today announced that it will add three flights between Hong Kong and Munich – the Bavarian capital and the third largest city in Germany.

Starting December 3, Lufthansa will increase from three to six night flight connections linking the two major technology hubs.

Speaking to the press, Mr. Wolfgang Mayrhuber, Member of the Executive Board, Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Chief Executive Officer, Passenger Airlines, said: “We are very pleased that this newly-launched route has proven to be so popular. The flight additions demonstrate our commitment to our expansion strategy at our international hub in Munich which is the fastest growing hub in Europe and continues to grow at a high pace.”

Lufthansa is the only airline in Hong Kong to offer nonstop flights from Hong Kong to Munich, and onwards to more than 100 European destinations. The new flights further enhance Lufthansa’s leading position as the No. 1 European airline serving China via the three gateways in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing with a total of 27 weekly flights.

Mr. Mayrhuber acknowledged that these were difficult times for the aviation industry, but provided an assurance of Lufthansa’s continued success despite the current environment. “The global airline industry has never before faced such a challenge. At Lufthansa, we believe in acting thoroughly and quickly when faced with adversity. We took immediate measures to position our group to adjust to market requirements and to adapt in a flexible manner to the drastically changing conditions.”

Talking about new safety measures currently being implemented, Mr. Mayrhuber noted, “Security is a topmost priority at Lufthansa. All aircraft in our fleet are being equipped with reinforced cockpit doors. By today, we have completed the modification of our entire long range fleet; and are in the process of refurbishing our short range fleet. Other security measures include the introduction of Sky Marshals on Lufthansa aircraft, stepping up on baggage checking, baggage reconciliation and additional screening of personnel including suppliers.”

Earlier this year, Lufthansa announced plans to introduce the ‘D-Check’ project, investigating the business structures and processes in the entire Lufthansa Group, and searching for improvements that should generate one billion EURO cash flow over the next three years.

“Everything around us may change, however there will be no change at Lufthansa with respect to quality, safety, security and customer services, “ added Mr. Mayrhuber.”

The increased Hong Kong to Munich flights, which will continue to use Airbus 340 long-haul aircraft, will operate on the same time schedule as present; leaving Hong Kong at 2305, arriving next day at 0525 local time. Flights from Munich depart at 2045, landing in Hong Kong at 1400 the next day.

First Class and Business Class passengers arriving in Munich from Hong Kong are able to relax in a comfortable dayroom at the five-star Kempinski Hotel, with access to a pool, sauna, fitness room and business centre. The service is free of charge for First Class passengers and at a special rate for Business Class.

Lufthansa German Airlines celebrated its 40th anniversary of continuous passenger service to Hong Kong earlier this year. The anniversary coincided with the introduction of Chinese flight attendants on flights connecting Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai with Frankfurt.

As a founding member of Star Alliance, Lufthansa has developed one of the most comprehensive alliance networks in the industry, with partnerships serving all six continents.