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."