Lufthansa consolidates EX-YU operations amid increasing competition
Lufthansa is increasing its operations across the former Yugoslavia this coming summer by directly serving six of the region’s seven markets, as well as increasing frequencies and introducing new routes to counter growing competition. The airline competes with the Air France – KLM group, especially in the Croatian and Slovenian markets, where the French-Dutch conglomerate is expanding and doing well, especially with transfer passengers in the United States, Canada and Western Europe. On the other hand, Air Serbia’s growing network and transfer opportunities for regional markets with new long-haul services to the United States and China also present challenges. This is why the German airline is introducing flights to Skopje this summer, as well as increasing frequencies to Belgrade, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Sarajevo and Zagreb.
Commenting on its operations, Lufthansa said: “In the highly competitive Serbian market, Lufthansa has managed to increase the number of passengers carried between Germany and Serbia, a trend we expect to continue. Lufthansa has been present on the Serbian market for more than 55 years as part of the largest foreign airline groups. The Serbian market is one of the most important in Southeast Europe for Lufthansa, and we see great potential and expect further positive developments.” The USA, secondary destinations in Germany, as well as the Portuguese market are among the most popular among Lufthansa’s transfers in Belgrade. Croatia remains a stronghold for the Lufthansa Group thanks to the close partnership with Croatia Airlines. The German carrier plans to maintain up to 68 weekly flights to the country this summer. “We are glad to have many satisfied customers in Croatia, which has resulted in our excellent reputation. We connect Croatia with the world through our main airports and contribute to its development”. Apart from the USA, a number of points in Western Europe, especially Spain and Scandinavia, are the most popular among Lufthansa’s Zagreb transfer passengers.
In Ljubljana, Lufthansa now accounts for 15% of all passengers. Europe dominates among Slovenian transfers of the German carrier, with destinations such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Berlin, Helsinki, Prague and Oslo leading the way. “The Lufthansa Group connects passengers from all over the world with Slovenia and at the same time opened the door for passengers from the capital of Slovenia to take advantage of the Lufthansa Group’s worldwide network,” the company announced. It is added: “Lufthansa Group recognized the great need to connect Slovenia, its population and economy with our flight network”. This summer, the carrier will make a record 35 weekly rotations to the capital of Slovenia.
Lufthansa is launching flights to Skopje in three months. Two decades ago, the carrier could boast of flights to the capital of Macedonia, which were operated on its behalf by Cirrus Airways. “Lufthansa is offering Skopje for the first time from April 23 and will connect the capital of North Macedonia up to twice a day. The flights are expected to be attractive for both business travelers and tourists. Lufthansa is strengthening its position in Eastern Europe by adding Skopje,” said the airline. carrier. Transportation options to and from Canada have proven popular with Macedonian Lufthansa passengers. In Sarajevo, the airline is introducing an additional three flights a week from Frankfurt for a total of ten a week. “Lufthansa is expanding its services from Sarajevo to Germany and the European Union by introducing new flights together with Austrian Airlines, Swiss and Eurowings. Our success would not be possible without our partners and customers. We look forward to continuing to provide services and a flexible network to travelers in the region.” Major European hubs such as London, Amsterdam and Madrid are the most popular with Lufthansa Sarajevo passengers along with US destinations such as New York, Boston and Chicago.