The last few months have seen growth for Lufthansa into Africa with a noticeable demand from Germany, Europe and North America, says Axel Simon, director of Lufthansa and SWISS International Air Lines for Southern Africa.
Lufthansa currently flies from Germany to 38 destinations in Africa, a growth of 20% over the last five years. “Lufthansa’s strength lies in the South African, Western African and North African markets. The current upswing in Western Africa is impressive and is seen by Lufthansa as a market with great potential. Eastern Africa traditionally remains a stronghold of our partner, Brussels Airlines,” he says.
After constant monitoring of the markets, Lufthansa is in the process of evaluating increasing frequencies to certain destinations in West Africa. Axel says the demand for flights into North Africa has bounced back after the Arab Spring with the airline increasing flights to Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli and Casablanca.
“Africa is especially interesting as it has several oil and energy destinations, resulting in strong traffic flows. Traditionally Lufthansa relies on a solid share of corporate booking which the airline is looking at growing by placing various market opportunity initiatives.”
