Lufthansa looks to benefit from bmi decision

GERMAN airline Lufthansa believes its Manchester operation will benefit from rival bmi’s decision to axe its Leeds Bradford to Heathrow service.

The carrier, which ironically is also growing thanks to business and leisure passengers shunning London’s Heathrow, says that it expects Yorkshire travellers – particularly business people – who use Heathrow as a hub for international connections, to now consider using Lufthansa’s services from Manchester.

Marianne Sammann, Lufthansa’s general manager for UK and Ireland, said the airline was filling the void left by the departures of other airlines.

“We are really pleased with Manchester – it’s our second largest UK base and we are growing, which is good news.”

The airline operates 74 flights a week from Manchester and is expecting to benefit from bmi’s termination of its Leeds Bradford – Heathrow service, which was announced last week.

She said: “Passengers are increasingly accepting the idea of not having to use Heathrow as the hub for international connections. By using Frankfurt they can access more efficient and faster connections around the world.

“Passengers can also check their luggage in at Manchester and collect it at their final destination, which is another big plus.

“I think bmi’s decision and the regular train service between Leeds and Manchester Airport will be good news for Manchester. I think that Yorkshire people flying with us from Manchester and then internationally will find they have saved time, because of our quick connections and ability to check in their just luggage once.”

More than 60% of passengers from Manchester travel onwards via Lufthansa’s international network, Mrs Sammann said. The most popular international destinations are Hong Kong, Beijing and Mumbai.

Announcing higher passenger numbers for 2008, despite the start of the global downturn, Mrs Sammann said 569,536 people had chosen Lufthansa during 2008, up 0.8% on 2007.

Do you agree? Will business travellers now switch their travel plans across the Pennines to Manchester Airport? Add your comments below.