by Lufthansa Flyer | Jun 4, 2013 | Airlines |
Thanks to the members of FlyerTalk’s ‘Miles & More’ thread for keeping up with the various promotions in place for members of ‘Miles & More’ (Lufthansa Group (including germanwings), LOT Polish, Adria, Croatia and Luxair). The thread itself maintains a “sticky” post that keeps track of the latest targeted and non-target offers.
Currently, there are a few non-targeted offers that are fairly attractive. If any of these apply to your travels, make sure to take advantage of them. If not, I would visit the thread on a regular basis to check for updates on new offerings. There are several dozen active members on that thread that regularly find deals and opportunities.
The current Miles & More promotions include:
AUSTRIAN: Fly on Austrian’s new route between Vienna and Chicago between now and July 31 and you’ll earn double miles regardless of class of travel. Registration is required and you must fly on Austrian flight #’s OS65 and/or OS66 to qualify. You can have a maximum of 8 flights earn the bonus miles.
SWISS: Fly in economy class on their new Zurich-Singapore route on flights LX178/LX179 and you’ll earn double miles until June 30. The miles are award miles only, and you need to register for the promo prior to your first flight. You can have a maximum of 8 flights earn the bonus miles.
BRUSSELS: Fly in any class of travel on Brussels flights between Belgium and Washington DC and you can earn double award miles. The offer starts on June 18 and is valid for travel until August 31. Registration is required and terms/conditions do not mention if there is a maximum number of flights that would qualify.
by Lufthansa Flyer | Jun 3, 2013 | Airlines |
During an IATA gathering in Cape Town, South Africa, Lufthansa Chief Christoph Franz discussed the 10-15 +year vision of the 747-400 and 747-8i fleet and their potential replacement.
In an article published in Aviation Week by Jens Flottau, Herr Franz states that he feels that Lufthansa can gain substantial savings and economies of scale by focusing their long haul fleet on twin engine aircraft, primarily Boeing’s 777 and Airbus’ new A350 (which could make a surprise appearance in Paris for the Air Show).
Emotionally, I don’t like this path, since I have been a fan of the 747 model since I was knee-high to a grass hopper and was hoping that a 747-9i would come to the rescue of the breed.
However, from a business perspective, it makes all the sense in the world. Boeing’s latest planned iterations of the 777, the 777-8 and 777-9, will have almost the same capacity as a 747-8i but due to it being a twin engine airframe, will be substantially more economical to operate. Airbus’ A350 will be another key factor (and perhaps a bigger piece of the solution) in Lufthansa’s decision and Boeing’s 787-Dreamliner can’t be ruled out of the equation as asuitable alternative.
According to the ATW article, it looks as though LH is well into planning this next phase of fleet modernization and we could see an announcement from Lufthansa in the near future. They are already expected to announce a large order for long haul aircraft fairly soon and some of this strategy may be played out in that announcement.
For now though, it looks like the 747-8i will be gainfully employed for at least the next 10-15 years…….
The 747-8i has job security for at least the next 10-15 years…….
by Lufthansa Flyer | Jun 3, 2013 | Airlines |
Lufthansa recently provided an update to it’s planned aircraft operations for long haul service for the Winter 2013/14 timetable. This is a normal event where an airline will swap out different aircraft types due to seasonal demand, as well as to take care of maintenance and cabin upgrades. This is an initial list that has been provided by LH. I suspect additional updates to come over the next few months.
ROUTE:
Frankfurt-Abu Dhabi-Muscat beginning on December 4 will be flown by an Airbus A330-300 (replacing an A340-300).
Frankfurt-Bangalore beginning December 1 will be flown by a Boeing 747-400 (replacing the 747-8i).
Frankfurt-Beijing beginning December 1 will be flown by a Boeing 747-8i (replacing the A380).
Frankfurt-Doha-Bahrain beginning December 29 will be flown by an A330-300 (replacing an A340-300)
Frankfurt-Johannesburg resumes A380 service on October 27.
Frankfurt-Shanghai beginning October 27 will see the A380 daily except Monday and Wednesday. Mondays and Wednesdays will see the 747-400.
Frankfurt-Tokyo (NRT) beginning October 27 will be flown by a 747-400 (replacing an A380).
