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Lufthansa reflects on private jets history and charter travel evolution

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Lufthansa reflects on private jets history and charter travel evolution
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Cessna Citation CJ1+ | Official Website

Lufthansa, Germany's leading airline, introduced its Private Jet service in 2005 to cater to affluent travelers seeking more personalized air travel. "We are the only airline in the world to operate a successful private jet service alongside our portfolio of scheduled flights offering peerless flexibility and exclusivity," said Dr. Karsten Benz, vice president of Lufthansa Sales & Services Europe, highlighting the airline's unique offering.

The service offered various aircraft, such as the Cessna Citation CJ1+, CJ3, XLS+, and Bombardier Challenger 850, each tailored for different flight needs, including short-haul, regional, and long-haul journeys. These jets were equipped to provide a premium experience similar to Lufthansa's First Class, providing point-to-point flights to various destinations across Europe and Russia. Lufthansa collaborated with NetJets Europe in 2007 to expand its services with on-demand flights.

Despite its initial success, restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions led to challenges. In April 2022, Lufthansa ceased its Private Jet service, citing the segment's limited economic viability and niche status. A Lufthansa spokesperson noted in Forbes, "Economically, the segment was too small. It was a niche for Lufthansa."

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Following the service's discontinuation, Lufthansa's clientele can explore alternatives within the Lufthansa Group, including Eurowings and SWISS, or contact NetJets Europe. Eurowings provides charter flights with options for flexibility, cost efficiency, and customized onboard experiences. Their fleet, including the Airbus A319, A321, and A321neo, supports personalized travel experiences. SWISS offers the "Rent a Plane" service with similar benefits in collaboration with Edelweiss Air.

Charter services from Eurowings and SWISS cater to corporate groups, sports teams, tour operators, and government delegations. Costs vary based on aircraft type, route length, and customization. While Eurowings and SWISS don't publish fixed prices, estimates suggest competitive per-seat rates compared to business class fares when divided among passengers.

Corporate branding and destination flexibility are among the benefits of chartering, offering efficiency and personalization not available on scheduled flights. Despite Lufthansa Private Jet's closure, its influence persists, informing SWISS and Eurowings' charter programs and highlighting Lufthansa's adaptability in niche markets. Charter flights have expanded beyond VIPs to become viable options for various groups, maintaining the brand's reputation in flexible and affordable air travel.

Organizations Included in this History
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