RIYADH, 3 October 2007 — Lufthansa has maintained its successful course during the first six months of 2007 as the group improved its operating result to 486 million euros, which represents an increase of 64 percent compared to the first six months of 2006.
The successful result during the first half of the current year also included the performance by Swiss, which was fully integrated into the Lufthansa Group on July 1, said Rolf Koller, general manager of Lufthansa & SWISS in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on the occasion of German Unity Today. Koller said that Lufthansa German Airlines & Swiss International Air Lines continued to soar in 2007 due to improved first-half performance throughout the summer months of the current year. In Saudi Arabia, both airlines have reported an increase in tickets compared to the same period last year, said Lufthansa-SWISS chief, while giving an overview of the airline’s operation in Saudi Arabia.
“Our figures have improved this year, which we owe to the increase of frequency from six to seven from Riyadh and Jeddah, and also from six to seven together from Dammam and Bahrain. Lufthansa & SWISS in total operate 21 flights from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, taking passengers to Frankfurt, Zurich and the rest of the world’s major destinations.”
In Saudi Arabia, Lufthansa & SWISS together has been able to provide customers a more comprehensive and flexible service. Now customers can travel either on Lufthansa or SWISS using special fares from Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam to Europe, the United States or Canada.
Referring to the loyalty program, Koller said that Lufthansa & SWISS are members of “Miles & More,” which is Europe’s biggest frequent-flyer program. Members can earn and redeem miles not only on Lufthansa and SWISS, but also with fellow Star Alliance partners and 20 affiliated airlines operating around the globe.
Koller pointed out that Star Alliance is the world’s biggest airline network of which Lufthansa & SWISS are members. “As members of these airlines, you can enjoy access to a vast network of flights, routes and coordinated connections to 855 destinations in 155 countries, plus access to more than 150 airport lounges worldwide,” said Koller, adding that a separate terminal has been built exclusively for first-class passengers at the Frankfurt airport.
“The first-class lounges at the airports in Frankfurt and Zurich, as well as the first-class area in Munich, provide you with valuable moments of peace and quiet,” he said.
Munich’s first-class lounge was renovated and expanded this summer. “You can also make yourself at home with your family members or a travel companion and take your time preparing for the next stage of your journey,” he added.