by Lufthansa Flyer | May 13, 2015 | Featured, Lufthansa, Strike |
In a positive development concerning the drawn out saga between Lufthansa and the Union that represents the majority of their pilots, both sides have agreed to enter arbitration in an attempt to resolve differences.
Details are yet to be revealed but it appears that the process should keep the threat of strikes away during the arbitration, perhaps putting off the threat of strikes well into late summer. This should come as good news to all those planning their summer Holidays.
However, there is a moderate threat of widespread Air Traffic Controller strikes throughout Europe during June.
Apparently, Air Traffic Controllers are ‘displeased’ at an EU proposal that would centralize ATC operations under one European umbrella vs. the current system where each country maintains air traffic control for its respective airspace. The big fear that controllers have is the potential for widespread job loss due to the centralization of ATC operations. A meeting of union members next week will determine if any strikes will be called during June.
by Lufthansa Flyer | May 13, 2015 | Cargo, Featured, Lufthansa |
Recently, I posted a piece highlighting the fact that South African Airways has put in place a policy that bans the transport of any large or endangered Wildlife Hunting Trophies aboard their passenger or cargo airplanes.
In addition to SAA, Emirates has now created a policy that takes effect on May 15 that also provides for the ban of Large Trophy Game transport on its aircraft as well.
To this end, I want to bring your attention to Lufthansa’s position on the topic.
I contacted LH Cargo soon after the SAA news to confirm what Lufthansa’s position is on this very important topic. I’m glad to report that LH has policies similar to the aforementioned airlines in place. In fact I think the LH policies may go a bit beyond what SAA has in place. According to the internal memo from SAA it targets only specific animals (Rhino, Elephant, Lion, and Tiger):
This leads me to think that SAA will still allow the transport of other Game not specifically listed in their internal communications.
In an email exchange with my contacts at Lufthansa Cargo, I was able to gain confirmation that Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo do not engage in the transport of Large Trophy Animals or animals protected under CITES 1.
From LH Cargo:
“We definitely do not transport large game trophies and, of course, no trophies for any endangered species, complying with CITES 1 regulations”
Animals that ‘qualify’ under CITES 1 include Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Tiger, Cheetah, Leopard, Zebra, Giraffe and other large game. Based on my interpretation of CITES 1, it provides for a ban on the commercial export or import of Game that is endangered or can potentially be endangered by harvesting. It does not apply to Game that is not at risk, such as Impala, Kudu and other antelope or small game not listed as an at-risk species.
If I interpret the LH statement correctly, it appears that they go beyond what is just required by CITES and may in fact go beyond what SAA and Emirates have put into place since they suggest that they transport NO Large game, not just CITES 1 protected animals.
Personally, I would like to see airlines band together and create a standardized policy that addresses this very sensitive and important topic. If it one day becomes impossible to transport ANY Animal Trophy due to airline policies, we will have made major strides in reducing the amount of senseless murders that take place of defenseless animals.
If game hunters realize that they can’t bring home the carcass of what they senselessly slaughtered while on vacation, perhaps then the animals will have a fighting chance.
by Lufthansa Flyer | May 12, 2015 | Featured, Lufthansa, Premium Economy |
Today marks the 50% benchmark of Lufthansa’s Premium Economy rollout. In total, 53 aircraft now combine to provide passengers with approximately 2,000 Premium Economy seats. As of today, 33 LH destinations have Premium Economy available to passengers.
Specifically, all 747-8i and A380 aircraft have been retrofitted. 15 out of 18 Munich-Based A340-600 along with both Dusseldorf-based A340-300s are complete as well.
Going forward, the remainder of the A340-300 fleet is scheduled to be completed in the next few weeks, followed by the 747-400s and Frankfurt-based A340-600s which will start their conversions by September, and be completed by year end. All A330 aircraft will also be finished by the end of the year. Additionally, all of the ‘JUMP’ based A340-300s will also be finished this year as well.
Keep in mind that these dates are soft targets and some adjustments to the timeline should be expected.
By the way, Lufthansa is currently running a Premium Economy Sale….
