Lufthansa German Airlines set to launch expanded winter schedule for the region

With the beginning of the winter schedule, Lufthansa will operate six non-stop flights a week on the Abu Dhabi-Frankfurt route and plans to introduce a second daily flight connecting Dubai with Frankfurt.

"We are proud to announce this new non-stop service for the benefit of our customers, meeting the increasing demands in the market,"

stated Joachim Steinbach, Vice President Sales and Services Southeast Europe, Africa & Middle East/ Pakistan of Lufthansa German Airlines.

Addressing the media at a press conference in Dubai, Joachim Steinbach affirmed the underlying importance of the region for the airline's growth in one of its strategically important markets. "The markets of the Middle East and the Gulf are viewed as an excellent opportunity to further develop our route network and position Lufthansa as the number one choice for business travellers."

Lufthansa is the number one carrier in the region which offers several flights per day to Germany from two destinations in the UAE, namely Abu Dhabi and Dubai, thus giving its passengers a greater choice than any other airline present with a total of 27 flights a week.

In the past three years, Lufthansa has successfully launched new destinations in the Gulf and Middle East with new destinations on the route map, Qatar and Bahrain. "We have done a lot to expand our reach. Now it is the right time to fine-tune our route network as part of our strategy to further enhance our market presence", reiterated Joachim Steinbach, the Lufthansa Vice President Sales and Services Southeast Europe, Africa & Middle East/ Pakistan.

"With a continuous growth of the economy in the region, there is a strong demand for air travel for both business and leisure", Joachim Steinbach commented on the market development and the airline's decision to further increase the capacity in the market. The new improved schedule offers Lufthansa passengers the convenience with both connectivity and time. It will reduce travel time by one and a half hours for the Abu Dhabi passengers connecting to Frankfurt and onwards to one of the destinations within Lufthansa's extensive route network to Europe and the US.

From November 1st, Mr. Tobias Ernst will join as new Lufthansa Manager Passenger Sales Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Mr. Ernst draws from his vast experience in sales in his long career with the airline. Introducing the new Manager Passenger Sales, Joachim Steinbach said: "With the expertise of Peter Pollak, General Manager Passenger Sales U.A.E. & Director Gulf & Pakistan and his team, I am confident that Lufthansa will enjoy further success in the market."

Commenting on the booming premium segment in Qatar, Peter Pollak, General Manager Passenger Sales U.A.E. & Director Gulf & Pakistan, said: "With high seat load factors of around 80%, we are extremely pleased with the successful development of the Doha-Frankfurt sector and this reflects well on our focus on the corporate business". Effective October 26th, Lufthansa passengers will have more choices and greater flexibility on the Doha-Frankfurt flights which will be increased from three weekly flights to a daily service. Lufthansa enjoys a high repute for its extensive route network and acknowledged service standards. The airline connects all the major gateways in the Middle East and the Gulf with 72 frequencies a week to 14 destinations in eleven countries to its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich and offers convenient onward flights.

Lufthansa operates the Airbus A340-300 on its Abu Dhabi route and a mix of A340-300 and A330-300 aircraft on the Doha flights with a three class configuration. On flights outbound the Gulf, First and Business Class passengers enjoy the culinary delights of the Star Chef of Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.

Economy Class Passengers are provided inseat inflight entertainment screens on all A330-300 aircraft; the refurbishment of the A340-300 aircraft will follow soon. The Lufthansa Business Jet service, a B737 all business class aircraft operating on the additional Dubai-Frankfurt flight, offers ample space and individual attention.

To promote the new improved winter schedule for the region, Lufthansa passengers can avail of an attractive fare starting at AED 1,099 for flights booked from Abu Dhabi. This offer is available online at Lufthansa.com and valid for bookings from October 12th until November 2nd and outbound travel from October 17th until December 15th.