TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE LUFTHANSA’S SUCCESS, GIVEN THE CURRENT CHALLENGES IN THE INDUSTRY?

The financial stability of Lufthansa over the past several years, compared to others in the industry, had the most significant effect on our success. We keep upgrading products and systems, which helps us focus on our future. Lufthansa invested $18 billion in aircraft, $150 million in lounges and $1 billion in infrastructure. Not many carriers can say the same.

We will soon launch a new business class with a fully flat seat/bed, as well as an upgraded economy class that will add more legroom and personal space. Our new first-class product is available in a large portion of our fleet. We have received positive feedback from travelers on these enhancements.

Lufthansa continues to improve connections at Frankfurt Airport; most are within 45 minutes. We made major improvements at Munich Airport and launched a new Senator Lounge at Frankfurt. At our stand-alone First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, passengers are picked up and transported to departing flights via chauffeured limousine. We even have a cigar bar in the First Class Lounge. Some passengers tack on extra time at the airport to enjoy our lounges.

At Lufthansa, we focus on quality, safety, punctuality and connections. When things go wrong, we are good at finding solutions.

WHAT DOES THE AIRBUS 380 OFFER BUSINESS AND LUXURY TRAVELERS?

Customers love the A380, and many request it when booking their travel. First class has handcrafted leather seats, up-to-date technology, personal closets, seating with on-demand privacy and two large bathrooms for eight passengers. When the plane was first conceived, many in the industry were concerned about the number of passengers; this has not been an issue, as each class is compartmentalized and feels private. The A380 always has at least two jet bridges to enter and disembark, making it more effective than some smaller planes. Special humidifying equipment reduces the effects of jet lag. The aircraft is quiet and energy efficient, which matches Lufthansa’s environmental initiatives.

HOW DO BUSINESS AND LUXURY TRAVELERS BENEFIT FROM LUFTHANSA’S PARTNERSHIPS?

The Lufthansa Group consists of great brands such as Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines, making for a seamless experience. Brussels Airlines will begin a much-needed direct service to New York this spring. In addition, we have joint ventures with United Airlines and Air Canada, with products and services tailored around the customers’ needs.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER IN AVIATION.

I have been with Lufthansa for 21 years. After three years in Germany, I became cargo manager in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I then moved to Spain, South America, the United States and back to Germany as head of the cargo division worldwide. This is my first position on the passenger side; it has been exciting and educational. I look forward to learning more about the vivid U.S. market, as many developing trends begin in the Americas.