Eurowings wants to focus more on passenger comfort and confidence in the product it offers. Lufthansa's hybrid subsidiary. "I think that passengers are no longer willing to pay €5 for a plane seat and cheap accommodation. They are now looking for a travel partner in whom they can have confidence in terms of health safety and comfort standards", explained the airline's CEO in a virtual presentation at the ITB Berlin NOW trade fair.
The company is breaking new ground with a a strategy geared more towards passenger well-being. Last year, it introduced the option of reserving a second seat to neutralise travel space. Now it has simplified the booking of such an option and lowered its price. Passengers can purchase this second seat when buying a ticket. in just a few clicks on the websiteThe price of a neutralised seat starts at 10 euros, compared with 18 euros previously. Thanks to this offer, as well as flexible postponement options up to 40 minutes before departure, Eurowings customers benefit from one of the lowest fares in Europe.
The free central seat can also be booked at a later date via the call centre or directly at the ticket office before departure. The offer is available to all customers as long as sufficient seats are available. " It's our way of responding to the insecurity expressed by millions of travellers. with a passenger side-by-side. In this way, we are keeping pace with the changing needs of our customers," adds Jens Bischof.
A new base in Berlin
The pandemic has also enabled Eurowings to regain market share in Germany. "For example, we are first operator in Düsseldorf or Stuttgart. And now we're going to step up our game in Berlin with the opening of a new base. At a time when some are abandoning the German market, we are demonstrating our commitment to it," adds the Eurowings CEO.
The company will base three A320 aircraft in Berlin. These new aircraft will operate the flights that Eurowings already offers, but with aircraft based elsewhere in Germany. From April, the three aircraft will offer three daily frequencies to Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldort and Stuttgart as well as two flights a week to Beirut. With the introduction of the summer timetable, Eurowings will be offering seasonal services to Austria, Corsica, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Italy and Spain.
All in all, the Lufthansa group in Berlin has a market share of 24.7%. With Lufthansa flying to Frankfurt and Munich, Austrian to Vienna and Swiss to Zurich, the group is currently offering flights on the following routes to a dozen cities.
