2002 promises to be a year of opportunity for Lufthansa

2001 was the year that witnessed September 11, and the resulting estimated loss to the global industry of 23 billion dollars. In 2001, Lufthansa recorded the first decline in passenger numbers in 28 years. However, thorough cost management, speedy responses and flexible adjustments to the market, has meant Lufthansa has limited the recessional trend of the industry and posted a respectable operating profit of EURO 28 million for 2001.

"Our fast reaction to the situation has enabled Lufthansa to continue when many of our competitors have failed to survive what has been the most difficult year to date for the air traffic industry," said Uwe Wriedt General Manager, Passenger Sales for UAE and Director for Gulf, Iran and Pakistan. "Looking ahead, the results for the first three months of 2002, which saw 9.7 million passengers carried on Lufthansa, as well as our forecast for the coming months, make us confident that business will increase once again."

Reflecting the trend towards growth, Lufthansa has recently announced a 40 percent increase in flights from Germany to the USA, as nearly all suspended flights to North America have been restored. Ten of the 43 aircraft that were taken out of service last year, following September 11, are being reactivated and two brand new Airbus A340-300s will go into operation.

Due to increased passenger demand globally, Lufthansa has introduced 370 extra flights a week for this summer - 55,000 seats a week - and three new routes from Munich to Boston, Shanghai and Tokyo. As a member of the Star Alliance, Lufthansa's route network is now increased to 727 destinations in a total of 127 countries, providing passengers in the region with a high quality and reliable service not just to Germany, but the entire world.

The expansion of services is also being felt on a local level and as of October 2002, Lufthansa will operate three new daytime flights a week to Munich from the UAE, giving customers direct access to the major German cities and more flight options. "Our commitment to investment in this region is high and we are well aware of the need for high quality services between the UAE and Europe. The increase in choice will also play an important role in developing the tourist and business potential of the UAE for travellers from European countries," commented Wriedt. The flights are timed to provide optimum connections to numerous destinations in Europe and around the world via the Munich hub.

The additional flights join Lufthansa's popular daily flights from Dubai to Frankfurt, scheduled to allow visitors to Germany a full day upon arrival, and excellent connections for ongoing passengers to European and North American destinations. Lufthansa also offer three flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Frankfurt.

Another enhancement of Lufthansa's service locally, is the new Corporate Programme, designed specifically for businesses in the UAE, Kuwait and Oman. It offers even more benefits for travellers, such as reduced ticket prices, seat assignment at time of reservation, fax check-in facility for all classes and special hotel and car rental rates.

A symbol that Lufthansa is commited to moving forward to make 2002 a year of success, is the launch of new uniforms for their staff. Wherever you are in the world, the classic dark blue, Lufthansa yellow, silver grey and white colours of staff uniforms are the symbol of professionalism and service. "The crisis in the industry may not be over, but Lufthansa is still investing in it's programme to provide all crew with new uniforms," added Wriedt. "The designs, which retain the classic style and colours, that customers know they can trust, also underscores our appreciation of our staff."

For the first time cabin crew will be wearing their insignia of rank on their jacket arm, denoted by diagonal stripes. Gradually a total of 25,000 ground staff and flight crews worldwide will be issued with the new uniform. All the airline's service professionals will have their new outfit this summer. All uniformed employees will be wearing this, the seventh Lufthansa uniform collection.


With over 45 years of experience in the Middle East, and 25 years in the UAE, Lufthansa are constantly reassessing their offering to ensure it meets the specific needs of customers. Lufthansa currently operates over 22 flights a week from the region from 10 destinations: Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Damman/Dharan, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh and Tehran. From these cities, passengers have access to a choice of 327 destinations in 89 countries flown to by Lufthansa, excluding the even greater network offered through Star Alliance. The Lufthansa partnership with Star Alliance offers strength as an international network, offering convenient transfers, competitive pricing and synchronized schedules.

Convenience is a keyword for everyone today, and a dedicated website for the Middle East in English and soon to be offered in Arabic, includes special local pages for the UAE, and makes it even easier to check flight times, special offers and to book online.

For further information on Lufthansa in the region, and across the world check out the airline's dedicated Middle East web site (www.lufthansa.com).

Issued on behalf of Lufthansa German Airlines by Gulf Hill and Knowlton, Dubai. For further information please contact Rania Abi Aad on Tel: (9714) 3344930; Fax: (9714) 3344923