by Lufthansa Flyer | May 7, 2014 | Industry News, Lufthansa |
TripAdvisor recently conducted its Traveler’s Choice Award voting for 2014 and as a result Lufthansa has earned the honor of ‘Best Airline’ in Germany.
Over 95,000 people participated in the survey which allowed voters to pick their favorites from a myriad of travel related categories for 12 countries. Among the many categories open for voting, they included Hotels, Travel Gear, Airlines, Fast Food, etc. etc. all the way down to favorite deodorant.
Lufthansa’s Chief of Sales & Marketing, Jens Bischof went on to add that “It is a special honor for us, when thousands of travelers in the TripAdvisor community vote Lufthansa into the top spot as the best German airline. It makes us particularly happy that high quality and innovative travel options have a particularly significant value in the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards”.
Nice to see that in spite of all the challenges that LH has faced over the last few weeks and months such as airport and crew strikes, passengers still recognize a great airline when they see one!
by Lufthansa Flyer | Apr 17, 2014 | Featured, Industry News, Swiss |
The European Centre For Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) has certified SWISS as the first airline that meets or exceeds certain standards when it comes to accommodating passengers with substantial allergen issues.
Beginning in May, SWISS will begin to implement a thorough overhaul of their onboard menus, cabins and lounges that will provide options to those suffering from allergies.
As far as onboard dining is concerned, ‘LX’ will begin to offer Gluten Free & Lactose Free foods and beverages as standard options. Additionally, passengers will be able to request special allergy-friendly meals for all SWISS long-haul flights (all classes) and in Business Class for Intra-European routes. This can be done up to 24 hours prior to departure.
As far as cabin amenities are concerned, SWISS will begin to provide the option of synthetic pillows and blankets in First and Business Class on long haul routes. They will also go as far as removing flowers and air fresheners that pose risks to allergy sufferers.
On the ground, SWISS will be providing allergy friendly bread, dairy and beverage options in all of their Lounges in Switzerland.
This is just the first step in a migration by the LH Group when it comes to caring for passengers with allergies. I have been part of meetings and presentations that focus on this topic and this step by LX is the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
In the not-too-distant future, Lufthansa Group passengers will have the ability to review ingredients and nutritional value of their onboard dining options prior to their flights (including special meal choices). Access to this kind of information will obviously allow passengers to make the best decision possible for their dining options and avoid items that would cause allergic reactions as 35,000 feet. An exact timeline for rollout has not been established but it is on the horizon.
by Lufthansa Flyer | Nov 1, 2013 | Industry News |
On Monday November 4 Lufthansa will honor retired Boeing Engineer Joe Sutter in a ceremony at Lufthansa’s US Headquarters in Long Island, NY and will present him with Lufthansa’s ‘Achievement In Excellence’ Award.
Mr. Sutter, 92, is often credited as the ‘Father of the 747’ ever since he and his team of engineers created the 747 from a concept and imagination. Beginning in 1965, after successfully helping to develop the 737, Mr. Sutter and his team began work on a project that most thought was impossible to complete. The goal was to deliver the world’s first true wide-body jet that could reach most corners of the world. With the blessing of a $525 million dollar order from Pan Am for 25 of the yet to be built aircraft, the team set out on a mission that would ultimately revolutionize the way the world would travel.
To put things into greater perspective, Mr. Sutter and his team (affectionately known as the ‘Incredibles’)promised that the first 747 to Pan Am would be delivered in 28 months. This promise was made even though Boeing had yet to have a facility large enough to handle to manufacturing of what would be the world’s largest production aircraft at the time. Ultimately, Boeing settled on building the facility in Everett, Washington and the rest is, shall we say, history…..
The first ever 747 was completed on September 30, 1968 and her first flight would take place on February 9, 1969. Deliveries to Pan Am began on time with the first 747, Pan Am’s ‘Clipper Victor’ being christened by First Lady Pat Nixon at Dulles Airport in Washington DC on January 15, 1970. Considering the technology of the day, for an aircraft to go from concept to reality and be delivered on schedule is simply amazing. This feat is made even more incredible when you consider all the delays that take place with new aircraft being developed today. Today, its not unusual for programs to be delayed by months and even years, yet 45 years ago, it was not an issue for the 747.
Lufthansa would become the second customer for the 747 and began taking deliveries in 1970, with the first Lufthansa 747-100 entering service on April 26, 1970. After being the launch customer and reason behind the development of the 737 in the mid 1960’s, Lufthansa and Boeing were creating a relationship that would span decades.
To honor Mr. Sutter, Nico Bucholz, Lufthansa’s Executive Vice President in charge of Fleet Management will travel to New York to present the award to Mr. Sutter on behalf of Lufthansa’s Executive Board.
Mr. Sutter’s Lifetime ‘Achievement In Excellence’ Award presented by Lufthansa
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend this fantastic tribute because I am leaving for Hong Kong on the next day and logistics just did not work out. However I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Sutter for his contributions and helping pioneer the way so that all of us can travel safely, quickly, and comfortably virtually anywhere in the world!
To learn more about Mr. Sutter and the development of the 747, I strong recommend you read his book, 747: Creating The World’s First Jumbo Jet and Other Adventures from a Life in Aviation. I’ve read it 3 times and each time I would learn something new about him or the program. Honestly, its a book I specifically read when I’m on a 747 just to help put things into better context.
