The return to a degree of normality means greater visibility for Europe's airlines. The Lufthansa - which includes Lufthansa Passage, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Swiss - has decided to publish a summer schedule valid until 24 October, when the winter timetable comes into force. The airline group announces put 50% of its fleet back into service. A total of more than 380 aircraft200 more than in June.
The decision was taken as Lufthansa's skies brightened on 25 June last year. At an extraordinary shareholders' meeting, shareholders agreed to the temporary acquisition of a 20% stake by the German government in return for a financial injection of 9 billion euros. This sum will enable the group to look to the future with a little more peace of mind.
This is reflected in the expansion of the network. Since Monday, the airline has been operating its summer programme with the promise of new services to more than 90% from its short- and medium-haul network by the end of October and more than 79% on its long-haul routes. " Little by little, borders are opening up again. Demand is increasing, both in the short term and the long term, analyses Harry Hohmeister, member of the Lufthansa Board of Directors. So we are constantly expanding our flight programme. I am delighted that we can now offer our customers even more connections to all parts of the world with all Lufthansa Group airlines via all our hubs. ".
The German airline will thus be offering up to 150 weekly frequencies to Europe.North America via the hubs of Frankfurt and Munich. Around 90 flights a week are scheduled to theAsiamore than 45 to the Middle East and more than 40 to theAfrica. Flights from Frankfurt to MiamiNew York-JFK, Washington, San FranciscoOrlando, SeattleDetroit, Las VegasPhiladelphia, Dallas, SingaporeSeoul, Cancún, Windhoek and Mauritius. Service will be resumed between now and October from Munich to New York/Newark, Denver, Charlotte, Tokyo Haneda and Osaka.
On the short-haul side, Lufthansa will be offering more than 2,100 weekly connections on the short- and medium-haul network. Frankfurt will once again be connected to 105 other destinations, and Munich to around 90.
For the other companies in the group, Austrian Airlines Swiss will be offering flights to more than 50 destinations this July, with 24 new destinations to Europe from Geneva and 12 additional destinations from Zurich. On the long-haul side, the Swiss carrier will serve 11 long-haul destinations from Zurich in July, rising to 17 destinations in October.
There are, however, two exceptions: Eurowings will only be operating 30 to 40 % of its flight capacity in July, mainly to leisure and holiday destinations. However, the airline aims to return to 80% of its network over the summer. As for Brussels Airlines is also expanding its offer, but only on short-haul routes. The airline has decided to postpone the return of its long-haul routes once again in view of the continuing uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the United States and, above all, Africa. For the time being, the African continent remains completely closed, with most countries banning international flights. As a result, the Belgian national carrier expects to operate only 45% of its initial summer schedule in September and October, a figure well below previous forecasts. In August, the airline estimates that it will operate 240 weekly flights, i.e. 30% of its original summer offer.
Greater guarantee for passengers
In order to restore passenger confidence, the company is in fact offering a maximum flexibility in the event of flight changes or cancellations. All Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian Airlines fares can change their flights - including the Economy Light fare with hand baggage only. Passengers who wish to change the date of their flight can make a new single reservation free of charge for the same route and class of travel. This rule applies to tickets booked up to and including 31 August 2020 with a confirmed date of travel up to and including 30 April 2021. The new booking must be made before the planned date of travel.
Airlines in the Lufthansa Group network are also offering all their passengers a "return flight" guarantee on all European routes, regardless of the fare booked. A facility in the event of a new confinement following a potential new wave of contaminations - if necessary also by a special flight. Depending on the fare, a care-free package is included in the price, covering such things as quarantine or return medical transport. With the "Bring me Home NOW" fare, customers can be transported on the next booked Lufthansa Group flight if they wish. When planning their trip, however, passengers are advised to take account of the entry and quarantine regulations in force in the various countries.
