Issue 3/2018

Dear readers of the Lufthansa Policy Brief,

First of all, we would like to offer our apologies. In the past weeks, there has been a very unfortunate spate of flight cancellations and delays in German and European air transport. This is not in line with the perception we have of ourselves. We would like to reassure you that, together with the airport operating companies and air traffic controllers, we are working very hard day by day to find solutions to the current bottlenecks. However, some of the factors which lie behind these issues are out of our control. We want to work with our policy makers to improve the framework conditions in which we operate in order to ensure the smooth running of our air transport system.

Particularly now, at the start of the holiday season, when we will be welcoming many families and children, unproblematic air travel should really be the norm. The airlines of the Lufthansa Group currently offer flights to around 340 destinations in 103 different countries. We offer travelers an outstanding range of routes across the world, and not just from the major hubs. A correspondingly high percentage of passengers reach their long-haul destinations by changing flights at one of our hubs. Consider Berlin, for example – with a 27 percent market share, Lufthansa Group holds the number one position in this market segment.

Some good news for our customers is that ticket prices have fallen markedly in the past few months. According to figures issued by the Federal Office for Statistics, prices in German domestic air transport in April 2018 were around five percent lower than in 2010 – yet in the same period, the consumer price index has risen by ten percent.

We would like to provide you with an update on these and other themes in our new Policy Brief.
We wish you a pleasant reading.

Contents

Berlin

Lufthansa Group Expands Flight Schedule

Eurowings has expanded the number of flights during the summer flight schedule by around 50 percent. Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian Airlines have grown by 36 percent – and thus increased their long-haul options. ...more

German domestic air traffic

Low Prices Dominate

The level of competition in air transport is high. This is a priority for policy-makers and the Lufthansa Group believes this is right, as long as the competition is fair. In the long term, further consolidation is absolutely necessary – and acceptable from a consumer point of view. ...more

German industry

Strenghtening air cargo for worldwide success

Measured by value, German industry transports around 30 percent of its exports overseas by air. Domestic partners like Lufthansa Cargo are an indispensable part of this process. For this to continue, they need fair and competitive conditions. ...more

Transatlantic air traffic

Blueprint for liberal market access

Transatlantic relations are currently under pressure. It is therefore all the more important to focus on the things which unify us. For example: 10 years of open skies over the Atlantic – a milestone of aviation policy and blueprint for continued liberalisation. ...more

Lounge

Flying with Children

While half of Europe is going on holiday, the airlines are working at full steam. To offer children and families a great start to the best time of year, the Lufthansa Group has come up with a few ideas.
Here are a few examples. ...more

Telegram

topic overview

Strong growth in Munich: A380 enjoys a successful launch

Police trade union:

...more

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