With 43 weekly flights, new cargo flights and UCI service, Lufthansa eyes growth in the GBA market
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Source: GD Today
In a recent interview with GDToday, Frank Naeve, Senior Vice President of Sales and Distribution at Lufthansa Group, shared his views on the company's latest innovations and its strategic direction in the Greater Bay Area. With the recent launch of the upstream check-in service (UCI), Lufthansa is aiming to provide seamless travel experiences for passengers from the region, reflecting its strong belief in the area's economic growth and its importance to Lufthansa's network.
A strategic effort to optimize passenger journey
Lufthansa Group’s upstream check-in service, introduced on September 30, allows passengers traveling on Lufthansa German Airlines and Swiss International Air Lines flights to complete check-in and baggage check-in at any of eight Greater Bay Area ports before heading to Hong Kong International Airport. After completing these procedures at the port, passengers can travel by fast ferry or coach directly to the restricted area at Hong Kong International Airport, bypassing the need to go through immigration and customs in Hong Kong. This streamlined process reduces the minimum transfer time at Hong Kong Airport from 110 minutes to around 80 minutes.
“We are confident that this service will bring substantial benefits to our customers by simplifying their journey and improving their overall experience,” said Frank Naeve. “By offering this service, we make it very easy for passengers to check in their luggage at the port and transit seamlessly through Hong Kong International Airport.”
Lufthansa's vision for the Greater Bay Area
Naeve emphasized Lufthansa Group’s long-term commitment to the Greater Bay Area, a region that has become a vital hub for international business, especially in industries such as technology and artificial intelligence. He pointed out that Lufthansa sees the region’s vibrant economic growth as a key factor driving the demand for travel to and from Europe.
"The Greater Bay Area is one of the most dynamic regions in the world today," Naeve noted. "We have seen a recovery rate of about 70% for travel between the Greater Bay Area and Europe, and we expect this number to continue rising over the next year." He further explained that the rapid economic growth, driven by major investments in innovation, technology, and the burgeoning e-commerce sector, will continue to fuel the demand for international travel.
In addition to its passenger services, Lufthansa Cargo is also making significant strides in the Greater Bay Area. Since July, the company has been offering twice-weekly freighter services to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, reinforcing its commitment to local logistics needs and capitalizing on the booming e-commerce market. "We see tremendous opportunities in the local market, especially in logistics and e-commerce, and we are eager to expand our services in line with the region’s growth," Naeve said.
Long-term commitment to China despite recent challenges
Amid recent media speculation about European airlines scaling back their operations in China, Naeve reaffirmed Lufthansa’s long-term confidence in the Chinese market. "We are the European airline with the most flights between China and Europe. With 43 weekly flights to key destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, we are fully committed to serving this market," Naeve emphasized.
He also pointed out that Lufthansa is continuously investing in improving its services for Chinese passengers, including launching new lounge facilities and enhancing onboard dining experiences. Some of these upgrades have already been implemented in China, showcasing Lufthansa’s dedication to meeting the needs of its local customers.
Lufthansa Group is also investing 2.5 billion euro in upgrading its cabin products. The new "Allegris" cabin series, which includes over 27,000 new seats, is part of this initiative. Currently available on Lufthansa’s direct flights between Shanghai and Munich, the new product is expected to debut on flights from Beijing to Munich in January 2025. Naeve revealed that the company is also considering expanding this premium offering to the Greater Bay Area in the near future, in line with the growing demand for high-quality travel experiences in the region.
As the region continues to evolve, Naeve remains confident that the Greater Bay Area will continue to be a vital part of Lufthansa Group’s global strategy. "We are very optimistic about the future of this region, and we believe the demand for travel to and from the Greater Bay Area will only continue to grow," he said. "We’re excited to be part of this growth, and we’re committed to expanding our services and providing the best possible travel experiences for our customers."