Germany’s two largest airlines, Lufthansa and airberlin have presented plans for a considerable expansion of their services in Berlin, where the future Berlin Brandenburg Airport, which is to become Europe’s most modern airport, opens on 3 June next year.
Lufthansa has just announced plans to increase its fleet in the German capital from nine to 15. This 40 per cent growth in capacity will allow Germany’s largest carrier to add 30 new non-stop short and medium-haul destinations to its network from next summer. Lufthansa plans to invest more than 60 million Euros next year in the German capital, creating hundreds of new jobs.
Recently airberlin expanded its flight offering at its home base in Berlin, announcing a new route to Los Angeles, which will commence next May, and additional frequencies to New York. The airline is also stepping up its presence in Poland with a new connection to Gdansk and more flights to Krakow.
Prof. Dr. Rainer Schwarz, CEO of Berlin Airports, said: “Last month, the Federal Administrative Court announced its decision regarding off-peak flights at the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport and thus set the course for the future of air traffic in the capital region. Airlines now have planning security: airberlin’s and Lufthansa’s increased presence in Berlin is a positive signal for the capital region. Berlin Brandenburg Airport will have 20,000 employees, making it the region’s biggest workplace.”
