Lufthansa increases Africa connections for UK passengers

29 June 2010 Lufthansa increases Africa connections for UK passengers New service to Pointe Noire makes 39 destinations in Africa with the Lufthansa Group The Lufthansa Group will be offering its highest ever number of connections from the UK to destinations in Africa from the start of the winter flight schedule. Together with partners Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, bmi and SWISS, Lufthansa will be providing links to 39 African cities making UK customers’ journeys even more convenient and flexible. From 3 November, Lufthansa passengers will be able to connect five times a week through the airline’s main Frankfurt hub to Pointe Noire, the principal port in the Republic of the Congo, pending regulatory approval. Operated with a Boeing 737-800 from PrivatAir, flights to the Congolese port include a stopover in Libreville in Gabon. “We are pleased to be able to offer our passengers an even more extensive choice of destinations and connections to Africa,“ noted Marianne Sammann, Lufthansa General Manager UK & Ireland. “The new flight to Pointe Noire is a further step forward in our growth strategy in Africa where its dynamic, economic region in West and Central Africa are key areas in the development of the Lufthansa route network. As a Group, we offer a variety of harmonised services from our hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels, London, Vienna and Zurich to Africa. With its strong position on the African continent thanks to its long-standing presence and expertise in serving African destinations, Brussels Airlines is a valuable partner in the Lufthansa Group. The jointly operated flights by Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa give our passengers significantly enhanced choices to travel flexibly and conveniently across Africa.” The port of Pointe Noire, the major commercial centre of the Republic of the Congo, is home to nearly 700,000 of the Country’s total population of around four million people. The oil industry, a key factor in the economy of the West African Republic, accounts for about 90 per cent of export earnings. Economic growth in 2010 is expected to be around ten per cent. Lufthansa was one of the first airlines to feature a special loyalty programme for employees of oil- and natural gas-producing and -extracting companies who make frequent trips to oil destinations. Besides from numerous other benefits, members of the oil&energyclub will automatically receive the Frequent Traveller status in Europe’s largest loyalty programme, Miles & More. Perks include priority check-in, lounge access, higher baggage allowance and much more. Passengers on board PrivatAir operated flights will enjoy all the benefits of the Lufthansa long-haul product. Among the perks in Business Class is a highly topical in-flight entertainment programme, as well as delicious in-flight menus created by Star Chefs and an array of opportunities to continue working in the aircraft cabin. In the sleeping mode, the seats fold out almost horizontally into a two metre bed. Economy Class is not without comforts either: With the small number of seats, passengers are sure of very personal attention from the cabin crew. Moreover, all seats are equipped with in-seat videos, ergonomically designed backrests and additional legroom. For more information, fares and reservations visit www.lufthansa.com For further press information contact: Aage Duenhaupt / Gudrun Gorner Dave Sanders Lufthansa German Airlines Dave Sanders & Associates Ltd Tel: + 44 20 8750 3415 Tel/Fax: 01257 278767 Fax: + 44 20 8759 1987 Email: http://media.lufthansa.com lhmedia@davesandersassociates.com