How would you describe Lufthansa’s route network?

Lufthansa has developed one of the most successful multi-hub systems in the world and our position has been strengthened in recent years by developments in Frankfurt, such as the introduction of the A380 and closer cooperation with our Star Alliance partners, especially with our joint venture partners on the North Atlantic routes.

Munich is now a truly international hub that complements our European and intercontinental network and we also offer direct intercontinental connections from Düsseldorf. Due to these developments, I believe that we offer the best connectivity to and from Europe.

Which regions or countries is your network growth focused on?

For intercontinental traffic, our focus is very much on new destinations and additional capacity to Asia-Pacific and Africa. However, we also want to add some South American routes and will launch a new service to Rio de Janeiro in winter 2011. 

In Europe we will expand by offering additional seats – through the introduction of larger aircraft and more frequencies – and continuously adding new destinations to our portfolio such as London Gatwick and Aberdeen in the UK, which are being launched in winter 2011.

How has the acquisition of other airlines in Europe impacted the Lufthansa network?

The integration of SWISS, Austrian Airlines and bmi British Midland International into the Lufthansa Group has further strengthened our position in home markets, Europe and worldwide. Each airline brings its individual strengths to the group, which has enabled us to offer an even better network to our customers.

Do the network planners from the different brands within the Lufthansa group work together at all in terms of route development?

Each company within the Lufthansa Group is responsible for its own network. For example, we believe that our colleagues at SWISS will know which network additions work best for serving Zurich. To ensure that all airlines work towards an optimum for the LH Group, we have established the so-called ‘Airline Development Board’ as a communication and decision forum. There are several subcommittees, one of which is the ‘Group Network Team’, to coordinate future network development.

Why is the Lufthansa Italia brand being axed later this year?

Because it will allow us to focus on two brands, Lufthansa and Air Dolomiti, and we are confident that this new approach will significantly enhance our market position. How? We expect it to lead to double-digit rises on many current connections to our Frankfurt and Munich hubs and an increase in flight connections for Air Dolomiti. Together, both brands operate services to a total of 19 destinations in Italy.

How has the Italian market performed for Lufthansa?

The Italian market has been and continues to be one of the most important markets for Lufthansa in Europe. Generally, it has performed very well over the last decade. Lufthansa remains the leading foreign network carrier in Italy, and we plan to further strengthen that position. Currently we are evaluating ideas on how to further improve our network to Italy with Lufthansa, Air Dolomiti and the Lufthansa Group airlines.

How have Lufthansa’s customers received the A380?

Our customers love the A380. We receive very positive feedback and public interest is still huge. We introduced our eighth A380 early in July and we use the fleet to serve Tokyo, Beijing, Johannesburg, New York, Miami and San Francisco. Singapore will join the list of A380 destinations from the end of October 2011.

How do you differentiate your network from those of other long-haul operators in Europe?

Our main network goal is to serve the destinations our customers need with high frequency and good connections. This means that we constantly adapt and improve our schedules and continuously look for potential new destinations – both on long-haul routes and within Europe. This naturally leads to some differentiation to other long-haul operators. Network differentiation, however, is not our primary objective.

What will the opening of the new airport in Berlin in 2012 mean for Lufthansa and what sort of presence are you planning on having there?

As the capital of our home market, Berlin is important for us and we are currently evaluating our future positioning in Berlin.

What opportunities and challenges has being the lead carrier in Star Alliance presented for Lufthansa, in terms of network development?

Alliances in general are helping in opening up new routes. Demand to some destinations would be too low to sustain non-stop flights from Frankfurt or Munich. In such cases, having a Star Alliance partner allowing for onward connections is a big help when opening new destinations.

What are the biggest challenges facing airline route developers in general in Europe currently?

The biggest challenge for route developers is still the massive expansion of the Gulf airlines and the low-cost carriers. Bringing European services back into the profitability zone continues to be a challenge. Rising fuel prices will also have a significant effect.

How did you start your career in aviation?

I was born in Germany but grew up in part on the Canary Islands. I therefore flew a lot as a child and always found it fascinating. After working in the hotel industry and as a consultant, I started working for Lufthansa in 2002 as a project manager in the group strategy department. In 2005 I moved to product management long-haul and was responsible for the A380 cabin interior among other projects.

How has the approach to route development changed over the years?

During the last 20 years we have, in a global context, clearly shifted in favour of a network versus a route development philosophy, with the main goal of trying to optimise O&D traffic flows. This has been made possible by new IT planning tools that allow for better planning and optimisation of flight schedules.

What is the best thing about working in the industry?

Working with lots of open-minded people, getting incredible travel tips from colleagues and walking through maintenance facilities as aircraft are amazingly fascinating up close!

What are your ‘little known’ facts?

I collect swatch watches and am a fan of science fiction movies.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what could you not live without?

Lots of good books and good company.