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Military

German Air Force Receives Final Airbus A350

by James Field June 7, 2024

written by James Field

In a milestone for Lufthansa Technik, the final Airbus A350-900 for the German Air Force has been delivered.

It is understood the ceremonial handover of the final aircraft took place at ILA Berlin.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

The Final Airbus A350 for the German Air Force…

Showcasing the registration of 10+03 and the nickname of Kurt Schumacher, the final Airbus A350 for the German Air Force has been delivered.

It now means that the largest modernization program in the history of the Special Air Mission Wing has been completed.

Furthermore, these aircraft replace the two Airbus A340s that the air force had, which have served under political & parliamentary air transport.

Furthermore, this now means that the wing is now fully operational with these three aircraft.

Lufthansa Technik: A Proud Moment…

Commenting on this milestone was Soeren Stark, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Technik AG:

“The largest modernization programme in the history of the Special Air Mission Wing can justifiably be called a Herculean task.”

“Four cabin refurbishments for a total of three wide-body jets over a period of just four years, and some of them were still heavily influenced by the pandemic”.

“I am all the more proud of our team, which mastered this task with flying colors, and completely within the estimated cost and time frame. I take my hat off to this achievement and thank everyone who was involved.”

Overall…

N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In conclusion, this is a major milestone for Lufthansa Technik and the German Air Force.

The full utilisation of the three Airbus A350-900s can now be realised, and play a vital role in transport.

Furthermore, all eyes will be on how the new aircraft perform in unison.

It is clear that with how long they kept their A340s, these new aircraft will be with them for quite a long time.

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June 7, 2024 0 comment

An RAF Typhoon escorts a Russian IL78 tanker aircraft

Military

RAF and German Air Force Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft

by Len Varley March 15, 2023

written by Len Varley

Royal Air Force and German Air Force Typhoon fighters have intercepted a Russian IL78 refuelling aircraft which was identified close to Estonian airspace on Tuesday.

A Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jet operating from Ämari Air Base in Estonia has carried out the first joint NATO Air Policing interception alongside a German Air Force Typhoon.

The two aircraft launched on Tuesday, 14 March to intercept a Russian air-to-air refuelling aircraft that was flying close to Estonian airspace. The Ilyushin IL78 Midas had failed to communicate with air traffic control in Estonia.

Following this the two Typhoon jets were scrambled to intercept and escort the Russian IL78 Midas, which was observed flying between St Petersburg and Kaliningrad.

Following a successful visual identification and escort, the pair of Typhoons were re-tasked to intercept an AN148 airliner, also passing Estonian airspace.

NATO Air Policing operations

The RAF and German Air Force are presently conducting planned Joint NATO Air Policing, in what is a first for the two NATO Allies.

The interception is however a routine NATO mission for the Typhoons which provides reassurance that the UK and Germany together with other NATO allies stand with their Estonian ally at this time of tension.

140 Expeditionary Air Wing comments

Operating as part of the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing are the Typhoons of IX (Bomber) Squadron. The Typhoon pilot involved in the intercept with a German colleague described the incident:

“We were scrambled to intercept an aircraft that was approaching Estonian airspace. We identified and monitored it as it transited close to NATO airspace.”

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“Any aircraft that are not communicating with Air Traffic Control or on a recognised flight plan will be intercepted by us to ensure we know who they are and maintain flight safety for all airspace users.”

“As a fighter pilot this was a routine business, even though I was flying alongside a German colleague. It is clear that all of our training and hard work paid off as we seamlessly operated together.”

Commander of the RAF’s 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, Wing Commander Scott Maccoll added the following conclusion:

“It was great to see the UK and German elements operate as one team. As NATO continually adapts its structures and workforce, today shows us the next evolution.”

March 15, 2023 0 comment

Military

RAF Typhoons join NATO air policing ops with German Air Force

by Len Varley March 7, 2023

written by Len Varley

Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons have joined Typhoons from the German Air Force in Estonia to carry out the first NATO Air Policing operational scrambles.

The RAF personnel from the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing are based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

The Expeditionary Air Wing in question will also take over the leadership of the long established Air Policing mission in Estonia starting in April.

As for the aircraft from the German Air Force, they also consist of Eurofighter Typhoons from the 71st Tactical Air Wing known as “Richthofen”.

Presently, it is the German Air Force (GAF) that is leading the Air Policing Mission in Estonia and once they hand over leadership to the RAF Expeditionary Air Wing, they will continue to operate in the country until the end of April.

“Today marks a great ‘first’ for our two air forces. We have been working together for some time and level of cooperation has now a reached a new level.”

“It continues to be an absolute pleasure to work with our German allies on all aspects of our mission – from maintenance and operation of jets to planning and logistic activities,” said Wing Commander Maccoll, 140th Expeditionary Air Wing Commander.

How does it work?

In order to achieve the integration between both the RAF and GAF to make this mission a success, the two air forces have trained together, so they can fully understand each other’s operating procedures.

Thankfully, both Air Forces fly the Eurofighter Typhoon, which makes the integration somewhat easier and simplified for both of them.

Of course national differences play their part, but this is is exactly one of the aims of such missions to break these barriers and allow for multiple air forces to work together seamlessly.

Having successfully trained together, both pilots from each Air Force will now conduct NATO controlled intercepts together.

What is a NATO Air Policing Mission?

NATO Air Policing is a peacetime mission that aims to uphold the security of alliance airspace.

It is a collective task that mostly involves countries part of NATO as well as allies to NATO countries who operate with a continuous presence 24/7 365 days a year.

These Air Policing Missions can be seen as a strong demonstration of solidarity among allies. This is because countries with fighter aircraft capabilities are able to ensure that the safety and security of airspace within these allied countries remains at a consistent high level.

NATO Air Policing Missions, don’t just protect against threats to an allied country, but also provide support to say the likes of civilian aircraft, for example if one loses ATC communication.

NATINAMDS and AIRCOM

The way NATO Air Policing Missions are carried out is through the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS).

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) is the person who oversees and is responsible for the conduct of the mission.

There is also Allied Air Command (AIRCOM), which is headquartered in Ramstein, Germany. The AIRCOM oversees all NATO Air Policing missions 24/7, 365 days a year and this command and control comes from two Combined Air Operations Centers (CAOCs).

One of them is in Torrejon, Spain and covers missions happening south of the Alps and other one is in Uedem, Germany and this one covers missions north of the Alps.

If an interception is required, it will depend on where in Europe the threat is coming from, for example if the threat is south of the alps, a NATO country south of the Alps will be in charge of dealing with the situation and vice versa.

As for which country that is told to launch their own QRA will be decided on the exact location of the threat and whose fighters can reach the target in the shortest possible time.

March 7, 2023 0 comment

Military

German Armed Forces Receive Third Airbus A350

by James Field March 18, 2023

written by James Field

The German Armed Forces have received its third Airbus A350 from Lufthansa Technik following full government conversion.

Registered 10+02 and nicknamed Theodor Heuss, the aircraft is named after the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany.

This now means that the German Armed Forces have the following three Airbus A350 aircraft:

10+01 – Konrad Adenauer
10+02 – Kurt Schumacher
10+03 – Theodor Heuss

Executive Comments…

German Armed Forces Receive Third Airbus A350 — Sam Almo-Milkin, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Commenting on the delivery was Michael von Puttkamer, the VP of Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik:

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“Only last November, we ceremoniously handed over ‘Konrad Adenauer’ to the German Armed Forces, and now ‘Theodor Heuss’ already marks the second A350 with a full government cabin to go to our valued customer”.

“The largest modernization program in the history of the German government fleet thus remains fully on schedule and on budget, and for this achievement, I would like to express my sincere thanks to our enormously competent and highly motivated employees.”

It is also understood that the third aircraft is undergoing full government conversion.

The Other German Armed Forces A350s…

10+02 had been transferred factory-fresh to Lufthansa Technik in October 2021, where the company’s Special Aircraft Services segment has since installed the highly customized government interior meeting
the highest standards of functionality, connectivity, comfort, and privacy for traveling dignitaries.

An adjoining cabin area rounds off the interior for the accompanying delegations.

To also make their stay on board as pleasant as possible, Lufthansa Technik has not only installed comfortable seating with sufficient seat pitch but also an appropriate number of private washrooms and a modern galley.

It remains clear that these aircraft will revolutionize the way that world leaders and others who use these jets will travel.

March 18, 2023 0 comment

A Ryanair Boeing 737 parked at Milan Bergamo Airport.

Airline

Barcelona Court Orders Ryanair to Stop Denigrating eDreams ODIGEO

by Len Varley July 30, 2024

written by Len Varley

A Barcelona Commercial Court has issued interim measures against Ryanair, directing the airline to immediately cease its denigrating behavior towards eDreams ODIGEO and its products.

This ruling reinforces a previous decision upheld by Spain’s Supreme Court, which had already mandated Ryanair to halt its unfair tactics and anti-competitive behavior against the online travel agency.

The pre-trial order from Barcelona Commercial Court No. 12 is based on compelling evidence of Ryanair’s long-term smear campaign against eDreams and its Prime programme.

The airline allegedly disseminated multiple false claims to mislead consumers and compete unfairly, violating Article 9 of the Unfair Competition Law (LCD). The Court approved these measures due to Ryanair’s persistent denigrating statements.

eDreams ODIGEO is a global travel subscription platform and one of the largest e-commerce businesses in Europe.

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary with an 'OTA Pirate' sign. — Photo Credits: Ryanair

A “Perfectly Organized Campaign”

In a strongly worded judgment, the judge characterized Ryanair’s actions as a “perfectly organized campaign. He said it was “designed to promote Ryanair.com for booking flights and associated services.”

The court deemed this campaign as denigrating advertising, providing consumers with false information about eDreams and its Prime service.

This legal victory for eDreams ODIGEO extends beyond Spain. In Germany, courts have ordered Ryanair to cease multiple anti-consumer and misleading practices.

These include charging consumers for specific payment methods, and lacking transparency in pricing throughout the booking process. It required consumers to create user accounts to purchase tickets.

Ryanair’s Wider Strategy and its Consequences

Ryanair’s strategy has now targeted multiple online travel agents. It appears to be part of a broader plan to coerce competitors into signing anticompetitive and anti-consumer distribution agreements.

This tactic also seems intended to deflect scrutiny from Ryanair’s own controversial practices. This is currently under investigation by authorities across Europe.

eDreams ODIGEO is actively leading or participating in multiple cases against the airline. This includes antitrust proceedings in Italy for alleged abuse of market dominance.

A vast majority of the Italian travel industry, including federations, trade bodies, and consumer associations, supported this case. It allegedly prompted Ryanair to launch a smear campaign targeting the complainants, particularly eDreams and its Prime programme.

The Italian Antitrust Authority (AGCM) has not remained silent on this issue. It defined Ryanair’s actions as a smear campaign aimed at dissuading consumers from using travel agents. It highlighted the airline’s use of false and misleading claims.

Investigations and Legal Actions Across Europe

Data protection authorities from several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and Poland, are reportedly probing Ryanair’s allegedly discriminatory practices towards customers.

These investigations include allegations of privacy-invasive practices that breach GDPR. This includes requesting unnecessary biometric data and imposing additional fees on consumers based on their booking channel of choice.

The mounting legal and regulatory pressure on Ryanair for its anti-consumer practices is further evidenced by a landmark fine imposed by the Spanish government.

Estimated at around 100 million euros according to consumer bodies, this fine is the highest ever issued by Consumer Protection authorities to a single business. It dwarfs the previous record by 17 times.

In France, courts have recently issued a severe sentence against the airline for deliberately violating passenger rights regulations.

This includes infringing on consumer rights, failing to compensate for flight cancellations and delays, and engaging in deceptive and aggressive practices.

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July 30, 2024 0 comment

Airport

Environmental Protest Groups Launch Targeted Airport Actions

by Len Varley July 25, 2024

written by Len Varley

Protesters from around 13 independent activist groups have launched targeted protest actions at major airports in Europe. Protest actions also took place in Canada and the US.

Groups including Just Stop Oil, Last Generation, Oil Kills and Extinction Rebellion have been involved in the coordinated actions.

The groups have vowed to continue actions at airports across the summer season to urge action on climate change.

Heathrow Airport in London became a focal point for Just Stop Oil yesterday. In the morning, 9 protesters were arrested along airport perimeter roads at the London hub.

Just Stop Oil protestors arrested outside London Heathrow Airport — Photo Credit: Just Stop Oil (London Heathrow)

European Protest Actions

Across the Continent, activists and protestors targeted major European aviation hubs.

In Germany, Cologne-Bonn Airport experienced significant disruptions when members of the Last Generation group glued themselves to airport taxiways earlier this week.

The name Last Generation arises from the fact that activists consider themselves the last generation before the Earth reaches a tipping point into climate breakdown.

Frankfurt Airport Targeted This Morning

The group has now targeted Frankfurt airport, promising a week of further disruptions. According to a statement on social media, Last Generation said:

“Airports are a place where it becomes clear: what used to be normal is something we can no longer afford today… Oil, gas and coal threaten our existence.”

Video Credit: Last Generation

In a further statement this morning 25 July, Frankfurt Airport said: “Due to an ongoing demonstration at the airport flights are currently suspended.”

“Passengers are asked not to go to the airport for the time being. Instead, it is recommended to check the status of your flight before traveling to the airport. Allow extra time for your journey.”

Norway’s Oslo Gardermoen Airport, a crucial Nordic travel hub, faced similar challenges. Several climate activists, including those from the group Folk Mot Fossilmakta, staged a blockade. Three members of the group Oil Kills were also detained at Oslo Airport.

At Switzerland’s Zurich and Geneva Airports, eleven people from Oil Kills blocked two access roads into the airports. Five people from that group were arrested.

Meanwhile, Finland’s Helsinki Vantaa Airport was targeted by Extinction Rebellion, who blocked security gates.

The airport protest actions have caused widespread disruptions with commercial flights delayed or canceled. The economic impact on airlines and airports can be substantial, as these disruptions incur significant costs.

The protesters argue their actions are necessary to draw attention to the climate crisis and force governments to act.

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July 25, 2024 0 comment

This week has seen Qatar Airways launch services to it's 49th destination in Europe, being new flights between Doha and Hamburg.

Airline

Qatar Airways Launches Flights To It’s 49th Destination in Europe: Doha to Hamburg

by James Field July 5, 2024

written by James Field

This week has seen Qatar Airways launch services to it’s 49th destination in Europe, being new flights between Doha and Hamburg.

The Qatari carrier has continued to grow strongly in the continent, amassing over 170 destinations worldwide.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

The New Flights Between Doha & Hamburg with Qatar Airways…

The new flights between Doha (DOH) and Hamburg (HAM) with Qatar Airways started off with a bang, through their attractive-looking Airbus A350 operating the first flight.

However, it is key to note that these flights are now being operated by the airline’s Boeing 787 aircraft.

The scheduling for the flights is as follows:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays:
- QR89 DEP DOH 0835 ARR HAM 1410
- QR90 DEP HAM 1540 ARR DOH 2240
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays:
- QR91 DEP DOH 0215 ARR HAM 0750
- QR92 DEP HAM 0920 ARR DOH 1620

As you can see from the scheduling above, Qatar Airways is now providing non-stop daily flights between Doha and Hamburg.

The last four weeks has been extremely busy for the airline, with them adding the following routes globally:

A Strong Tourism & Commerce Element…

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer had this to say on the new Doha-Hamburg flights:

“Qatar Airways extends a warm welcome to the beautiful city of Hamburg as the latest destination to join its expansive route network, and its fifth gateway in Germany, a key market for the airline.”

“As Qatar and Germany’s bilateral relations continue to strengthen, we are pleased to begin this route which will further reinforce important economic and trade ties between the two countries.”

“With our centrally-located hub in Doha, we are well positioned to be able to facilitate exports from East to West and vice versa, and we look forward to seeing the growth of this route over the coming years from the World’s Best Airport and with the World’s Best Airline.”

Adding to this was Hamburg Airport Chief Executive Officer, Christian Kunsch:

“We warmly welcome Qatar Airways to Hamburg Airport. As the commercial airport of northern Germany’s largest city, it is our aim to be well connected internationally.”

“The new connection from Hamburg to Doha, one of the most important and fastest-growing hubs, greatly increases connectivity between Hamburg and the world.”

“Our passengers can now look forward to even more flexibility in their travel planning, while Hamburg continues to gain in importance as a business location and travel destination.”

Overall…

In conclusion, this represents yet another step in European growth for Qatar Airways.

The new Doha-Hamburg flights means that the airline is approaching destination #50 in the continent.

Furthermore, the fact that flights are daily from the get-go will be reflective of the demand experienced on the route.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on how the flights perform, as well as whether there is scope to expand further in the future.

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July 5, 2024 0 comment

Render of tailplanes of Lufthansa group and ITA Airways aircraft.

Airline

Lufthansa Group Gains Conditional Approval for Acquisition of ITA Airways

by Len Varley July 3, 2024

written by Len Varley

The European Commission has granted conditional approval for Deutsche Lufthansa AG’s (Lufthansa Group) planned acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo S.p.A.).

This move marks a significant development for both airlines, paving the way for closer integration while strengthening Lufthansa Group’s presence in Italy.

Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, expressed enthusiasm about the approval, highlighting the benefits for passengers, employees, and the European aviation industry.

He anticipates welcoming ITA Airways and its talented workforce to the Lufthansa Group family soon.

This move, Spohr believes, sends a positive signal for a robust European air traffic sector that can compete effectively on a global scale.

Acquisition Details and Timeline

The acquisition, originally agreed upon in May 2023, will see Lufthansa Group invest €325 million through a capital increase to secure the minority stake.

The agreement includes options for Lufthansa to acquire the remaining shares at a later date.

Following the implementation of specific remedies agreed with the EU Commission and potential approval from other non-EU authorities, the transaction is expected to finalize in Q4 2024.

Upon closing, ITA Airways will become the fifth network airline within the Lufthansa Group, retaining its brand identity.

The Italian carrier will leverage synergies across various areas, including global sales, the Miles & More loyalty program, and aircraft and fuel purchasing.

This integration is expected to strengthen ITA Airways’ financial standing and solidify Italy’s position as Lufthansa Group’s fifth “home market,” becoming its second-largest revenue generator after Germany and the USA.

Focus on Customer Benefits and Competition Enhancement

Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways plan a swift integration process. With nearly 5,000 ITA Airways employees joining the fold, the Lufthansa Group’s corporate culture will gain further international diversity.

Lufthansa-ITA Airways: European Union Goes On The Offensive — CAPTAIN RAJU, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rome-Fiumicino, a prestigious five-star Skytrax-rated airport, will become Lufthansa Group’s sixth hub and its southernmost gateway.

Customers will benefit immediately through code-sharing, allowing them to combine offerings from both airlines, creating over 1,000 new transfer options, particularly to South America, North Africa, and the Middle East.

ITA Airways will further enhance competition within Italy, currently dominated by low-cost carriers.

The airline’s existing focus on quality and premium service, combined with its “Volare” loyalty program’s integration with Miles & More, will provide passengers with a seamless travel experience.

Additionally, lounge access will be mutually available, and ITA Airways is aiming for Star Alliance membership in the near future.

A new ITA Airways Airbus A320neo on the taxiway. — Photo Credit: ITA Airways

Strengthening Global Position

“The acquisition of ITA Airways strengthens Lufthansa Group’s internationalization,” Carsten Spohr emphasizes.

This move expands the network and destinations offered to customers, extends the premium offering with the Rome hub, and strategically connects the network to future markets in the southern hemisphere.

Despite concessions made to address competition concerns, Spohr believes the investment strengthens Lufthansa Group’s global position.

The company is committed to making ITA Airways a successful part of the group, ensuring its future as a prominent international airline brand that will contribute to Lufthansa Group’s continued European leadership.

While the approval allows for commercial and operational cooperation upon closing, both airlines will operate independently until then.

The agreed-upon concessions with the European Commission involve transferring slots at Milan-Linate Airport to a competitor.

It will also mean surrendering certain routes in neighboring markets where Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways currently compete.

Additionally, feeder flights from Rome to competitor hubs will improve competition on long-haul routes from Rome to North America.

About ITA Airways

Founded in November 2020 and commencing operations in October 2021, ITA Airways boasts a modern fleet of 96 Airbus aircraft and a workforce of nearly 4,860 employees.

The Rome-based carrier transported almost 15 million passengers last year and currently serves 69 destinations.

Its hub in Rome presents an ideal location for expanding the joint network towards Africa and Latin America, offering passengers enhanced connectivity to the southern hemisphere.

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July 3, 2024 0 comment

Deutsche Aircraft officials with State Secretary at ILA 2024 Berlin.

Manufacturer

Deutsche Aircraft Begins Construction of D328eco Final Assembly Line

by Len Varley June 8, 2024

written by Len Varley

Deutsche Aircraft has seen significant progress on its new Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the D328eco. This is the German OEM’s state-of-the-art 40-seater turboprop regional aircraft.

This marks a further important step for the D328eco program and the future of aviation in Saxony.

Following a groundbreaking ceremony in May 2023, construction at Leipzig/Halle Airport is well underway. The foundation has been laid, and preparations are in full swing for the next phase.

This ambitious project recently received a visit from Thomas Kralinski, State Secretary of the Saxon State Ministry for Economics, Labour and Transport.

The State Secretary paid a visit to Deutsche Aircraft’s stand at ILA 2024 in Berlin. Here, he met with Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft, to discuss the project’s progress.

A Deutsche Aircraft D328eco aircraft in flight. — Photo Credit: Deutsche Aircraft

Final Assembly Line Progress

“We are thrilled with the continued progress on the Final Assembly Line,” said Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft.

“Implementing the latest industry standards is paramount to the D328eco program. We’re also making significant headway in preparing our workforce of 250 with initial training already underway at the Leipzig site.”

The FAL boasts a 100% climate-friendly design, achieving CO2-neutral production through a rooftop photovoltaic system.

Furthermore, the facility incorporates state-of-the-art heat pumps and energy storage for self-sufficient electricity.

Sustainability extends beyond energy, with a green roof and a wood-concrete hybrid administration building minimizing environmental impact.

Innovation in Design

Deutsche Aircraft is embracing digitalization with a focus on 100% paperless production. Automated transport systems and cutting-edge IT solutions aim to enhance both efficiency and precision throughout the manufacturing process.

This commitment to innovation creates a modern production environment and an attractive workplace for employees.

The NL EASP AIR D328® Turboprop fleet in front of the Deutsche Aircraft Hangar in Oberpfaffenhofen — Photo Credit: Deutsche Aircraft

Annual Production Capacity

The complete FAL complex, encompasses a flight readiness hangar, logistics center, and administration building. Overall, the new facility will span an impressive 62,000 square meters.

The complex has a projected annual production capacity of 48 D328eco aircraft. The project is forecast to create 250 to 350 new jobs in the region.

About Deutsche Aircraft

The German aircraft manufacturer builds on the legacy of aviation pioneers. It seeks to continue to propel the aviation industry forward with innovative solutions.

Deutsche Aircraft is developing the most advanced regional aircraft on the market: the D328eco.

A team of international engineering and aviation experts brings their passion and expertise to support the project.

The company leverages its experience as type certificate holder and service partner for existing D328 (prop and jet) operators globally.

This makes Deutsche Aircraft ideally placed to enhance existing fleets with this next-generation aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft, alongside its partners, injects €100 million+ to propel aviation forward with this groundbreaking investment.

The new FAL represents a significant leap towards a more sustainable and innovative future for the industry.

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June 8, 2024 0 comment

Airline

Discover Airlines Opens Long-Haul Base in Munich

by Len Varley June 6, 2024

written by Len Varley

Discover Airlines is gearing up for a significant expansion at Munich Airport, adding new long-haul destinations to its existing roster of short and medium-haul flights.

Two new widebody aircraft to be based there next year. By 2025, the airline will have deployed seven aircraft, around 400 personnel and almost 30 destinations in the flight schedule.

This will make the Lufthansa subsidiary carrier the biggest leisure airline operating at the Munich hub,

Developing Munich Hub

Starting March 2025, Discover Airlines will be the undisputed king of leisure travel at Munich Airport. By basing two Airbus A330s there, they’ll further bloster their existing fleet of five short-haul aircraft.

This combined force will offer a respectable 70 weekly departures to a total of 30 holiday destinations, solidifying Discover Airlines’ position as the largest leisure airline at the hub.

New Direct Connections

Discover Airlines is pioneering direct connections from Munich to three highly sought-after destinations:

Orlando, Florida: Three weekly flights starting March 3rd, 2025 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays).
Windhoek, Namibia: Three flights per week commencing April 1st, 2025 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays).
Calgary, Canada: Up to five weekly flights starting April 12th, 2025 (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays).

Discover Airlines will be the only carrier offering direct flights from Munich to these long-haul destinations.

All flights will operate year-round, departing conveniently from Terminal 2, making transfers between Lufthansa and Discover Airlines a breeze.

Stakeholder Comments

Both Bernd Bauer, CEO of Discover Airlines, and Jost Lammers, Chairman of the Management Board of Munich Airport, emphasize the strategic importance of this expansion.

For Discover Airlines, it’s about bolstering Lufthansa’s presence in Germany’s major hubs with unique holiday options.

For Munich Airport, it signifies Discover Airlines’ perfect fit as a leisure carrier, complementing the Lufthansa Group network.

Summer Spread: Classics and New Discoveries

This summer, the German leisure airline isn’t just about long-haul adventures. They’re also bringing back beloved destinations like the Canary Islands and various Mediterranean hotspots.

Additionally, the leisure carrier will introduce some exciting new routes, including Marrakesh, Samos (Greece), and Varna (Bulgaria).

For Greece enthusiasts, Discover Airlines offers the most diverse selection ever, with eleven destinations and around 30 weekly flights.

New to the Lufthansa Group portfolio is the stunning Greek island of Kefalonia. To round out the summer offerings, Hurghada (Egypt) and Funchal (Madeira) will be added later in the season.

Whether seeking sun-drenched beaches, vibrant cities, or breathtaking natural landscapes, Discover Airlines has some perfect getaways in the offing. With an expanded network and commitment to holiday travel, Munich Airport looks poised to become a prime leisure gateway.

Discover Airlines is the leisure arm of Lufthansa Group. The carrier prioritizes leisure travel, offering a carefully curated selection of holiday hotspots.

Its extensive route network encompasses a variety of holiday travel destinations, from popular beach escapes to vibrant cultural hubs.

Munich Airport is the carrier’s second hub after Frankfurt. With a growing fleet based in Munich and convenient departures from Terminal 2, Discover Airlines also provides a seamless onwards experience for passengers connecting with Lufthansa flights.

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June 6, 2024 0 comment

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