by Lufthansa Flyer | Mar 24, 2016 | Brussels, Featured, LCC, Lufthansa, Passenger Experience |
Back in 2009 when Lufthansa completed the purchase of a 45% stake in Brussels Airlines, it also retained the option to purchase the remaining 55%. This option is set to expire in 2017, however the decision from Lufthansa is due in the next several weeks according to Lufthansa’s CFO, Simone Menne, who suggested this timeline during Lufthansa’s earnings conference last week. The major stipulation for the exercise of the option was that Brussels needed to demonstrate profitability on its own before LH would acquire the rest of the carrier. In 2015, Brussels finally did demonstrate a profitable year which has now put in motion the process for Lufthansa to potentially acquire the rest of ‘SN’.
What doe this mean for Brussels Airlines?? A lot……
Should LH acquire the balance of ‘SN’, it is widely speculated that Lufthansa would fold Brussels into its Eurowings ‘low cost carrier (LCC)’ and literally would jump to the number 3rd largest ‘LCC’ in Europe, behind only Ryanair and Easyjet which have been a perennial fly in the ointment for Lufthansa. It would also mean that Eurowings would grow exponentially overnight with routes throughout Europe, gain additional routes in North America and inherit a strong presence in Africa where Brussels has spent considerable effort growing its network.
Should this come to pass as I’ve described, I believe it would would have an accretive impact on Lufthansa Group. It’s no secret that Eurowings has had its share of growing pains recently due to small size of its long haul fleet. Adding SN’s existing fleet, staff, and timetable would go a long way in stabilizing Eurowings and make it an important hedge in Lufthansa’s portfolio as LH continues to battle the ‘LCCs’ in Europe. However, anytime consolidation is discussed, there is always the risk of overlap of staff and resources which could result in a re-sizing of SN so that it fits better into the Eurowings template.
The next 90 days could prove interesting…….
by Lufthansa Flyer | Mar 23, 2016 | Brussels, Featured, Industry News, Lufthansa, Passenger Experience, Travel |
Lufthansa Group has announced a waiver of fees and penalties associated with changing travel plans that include Brussels Airport. Due to the events of the last 24 hours, passengers who were scheduled to travel to or from Brussels on a Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, or Germanwings flight have the ability to request a full cancellation of their ticket or change the travel dates without incurring any fees.
This fee waiver applies to travel that was scheduled to take place between March 22 and March 28. One change or cancellation is allowed per booking. In order to process the change, simply look up your itinerary on the website of the airline you are flying and you will be given the option to make changes or cancel your booking. Otherwise, please contact your travel agent who issued your ticket.
Airport officials in Brussels have indicated that the airport will be closed through at least tomorrow, March 23. A decision as to when the airport will reopen will be announced sometime tomorrow.
by Lufthansa Flyer | Mar 22, 2016 | Brussels, Featured, Industry News, Security |
Just after 8am local time in Brussels, 2 explosions have been reported to have taken place at Brussels’ airport. At the risk of speculating, the nature and location of the explosions suggest that these were most likely bomb attacks. The airport has been closed to air traffic and will not open until 6am on 23 March (initial plans).
Based on uncorroborated ‘tweets’ coming from passengers in the terminal, it has been suggested that one potential suicide bomber was located near a check in area near the American Airlines desks (According to RT.com).
According to news reports, gun fire was heard in the terminal as well as shouting in Arabic moments before the bombs were detonated.
Officials indicate that there are numerous casualties and 13 deaths (According to various media).
Rail service to and from the airport has been suspended. In addition, all Metro services in Brussels have been suspended after bombs were set off inside the Maelbeek and Schuman stations. Eurostar service has also been reported to be suspended until further notice,
If your travels involve transiting Brussels, be prepared to have your plans interrupted today. Call your airlines to seek alternatives. If you fear that friends or family may have been impacted at the airport, an emergency Hotline has been established: +32 2 506 711.
Extensive Terminal damage is evident. Courtesy: www.Airlive.net
Photo courtesy of RT.com via @WardMonkey
