Lufthansa consolidates EX-YU operations amid rising competition

Lufthansa is growing its operations across the former Yugoslavia this coming summer by directly serving six of the region's seven markets, as well as increasing frequencies and introducing new routes to counter growing competition. The airline is contending with the Air France - KLM Group, particularly on the Croatian and Slovenian markets, where the Franco-Dutch conglomerate has been expanding and performing well, notably with transfer passengers to the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. On the other hand, Air Serbia's growing network and transfer options for regional markets with new long haul services to the United States and China are also posing some challenges. As a result, this summer, the German airline is introducing operations to Skopje, as well as increasing frequencies to Belgrade, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Sarajevo and Zagreb.

Commenting on its operations, Lufthansa said, "In the very competitive Serbian market, Lufthansa has been able to grow its number of transported passengers between Germany and Serbia, a trend which we expect to continue. Lufthansa has been present in the Serbian market for over 55 years as part of the biggest foreign airline group. The Serbian market is one of the most important in Southeast Europe for Lufthansa and we see big potential and expect further positive developments". The US, secondary destinations in Germany, as well as the Portuguese market are among the most popular with Lufthansa's Belgrade transfers. Croatia remains a stronghold for the Lufthansa Group aided by its close partnership with Croatia Airlines. The German carrier plans to maintain up to 68 weekly flights to the country this coming summer. "We are delighted to have many happy customers in Croatia, which has resulted in our excellent reputation. We connect Croatia to the world via our main hub airports and contribute to its development”. In addition to the US, a number of points in Western Europe, notably in Spain and Scandinavia, are most popular with Lufthansa’s Zagreb transfer passengers.

In Ljubljana, Lufthansa now accounts for 15% of all travellers. Europe dominates among the German carrier's Slovenian transfers, with destinations such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Berlin, Helsinki, Prague and Oslo coming out on top. "The Lufthansa Group connects passengers from all over the world to Slovenia and at the same time has opened the gateway for travellers from the Slovenian capital to take advantage of the Lufthansa Group worldwide network", the company said. It added, "The Lufthansa Group has recognised the great need for connectivity in Slovenia, its population and the economy with our flight network". The carrier will maintain a record 35 weekly rotations to the Slovenian capital this summer.

Lufthansa is launching operations to Skopje in three months. The carrier previously boasted flights to the Macedonian capital two decades ago, which were maintained on its behalf by Cirrus Airways. "Lufthansa is offering Skopje for the first time from April 23 and will connect the capital of Northern Macedonia up to two twice a day. The flights are scheduled to be attractive for both business travellers and tourists. Lufthansa is strengthening its position in Eastern Europe by adding Skopje", the airline said. Transfer options to and from Canada are proving popular with Lufthansa's Macedonian travellers. In Sarajevo, the airline is introducing an additional three weekly flights from Frankfurt for a total of ten weekly. "Lufthansa has been expanding services from Sarajevo to Germany and the European Union by introducing new flights together with Austrian Airlines, Swiss and Eurowings. Our success would not be possible without our partners and customers. We look forward to continuing to provide services and a flexible network to travellers in the region". Major European hubs, such as London, Amsterdam and Madrid are most popular with Sarajevo's Lufthansa passengers coupled with points in the US such as New York, Boston, and Chicago.