Quantcast

Lufthansa introduces new subsidiary: Is it innovation or replication

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Lufthansa introduces new subsidiary: Is it innovation or replication

Lufthansa has introduced a new subsidiary, Lufthansa City Airlines, operating under the IATA code VL and callsign City Air. The airline is based in Munich and recently launched its inaugural flight to Birmingham in the UK. This development adds to Lufthansa's extensive portfolio of subsidiaries, which includes Jump, CityLine, Germanwings, Eurowings, Eurowings Europe, Eurowings Discover, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Swiss Global, Edelweiss, Helvetic Airways, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

The experience at Birmingham Airport was standard for Lufthansa passengers. Check-in was efficient at the Lufthansa Group desk without any special signs for City. Boarding followed the usual process but was notably uncomfortable due to hot weather conditions.

Onboard the aircraft, passengers were greeted by crew members in uniforms nearly identical to those of standard Lufthansa staff. The seats were Geven Essenza models in typical Lufthansa colors with "Ihr Freiraum" headrest antimacassars on blocked middle seats.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

A unique aspect was the presence of a specific safety card for Lufthansa City Airlines alongside a wetlease card similar to those used by other wetleased flights under the Lufthansa brand. The buy-on-board menu and inflight shopping catalog were consistent with what is offered on regular Lufthansa flights.

The inaugural flight experienced a 30-minute delay departing from Birmingham but landed less than 15 minutes behind schedule in Munich. Passengers were transported via bus gate upon arrival.

Inflight services mirrored those of standard Lufthansa flights with no inflight connectivity available on this A320neo aircraft. Drinks and food offerings remained unchanged from what frequent flyers would expect from any European route operated by Lufthansa.

Frequent flyers have expressed concerns about consistency in treatment between Lufthansa City and mainline operations. However, it appears that most non-frequent flyer passengers may not notice they are flying with a subsidiary until they read onboard materials indicating so.

John Walton attended this flight as a guest of Lufthansa; however, he maintains that all opinions shared are his own.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Long Beach Airport has entered into a 30-year lease agreement with JetZero, Inc., a company focused on next-generation aircraft design.

Oct 28, 2025

Passengers planning summer travel for 2026 can now book flights with Lufthansa Group Airlines, which has released its schedule featuring new destinations and increased frequencies.

Oct 28, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced its Employees of the Month at its LAV facility.

Oct 28, 2025

Flying Food Group's San Francisco facility recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with its employees.

Oct 28, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of a new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Oct 27, 2025

United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, which includes new flights from Newark to Bari, Split, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow, as well as from Newark to Seoul and Washington, D.C., to Reykjavik.

Oct 27, 2025