Global Traveler: Lufthansa flew the Airbus A380 from Frankfurt to New York (JFK) on March 19, 2007, to much fanfare; what will this aircraft bring to first- and business-class travelers?
Jens Bischof: The A380 marks a bold step in aviation history and in many ways reflects how we at Lufthansa run our business — with a focus on innovation and efficiency. When we introduce the A380 as our flagship aircraft in 2009, travelers will enjoy a truly enhanced flying experience. Soothing lighting, improved moisture quality and reduced noise levels will help combat jetlag, together with much more space to move about, even with the increased passenger capacity. We will also introduce new designs in first and economy classes, in addition to our existing new business class.
Our A380 passengers will also be among the world’s most environmentally friendly air travelers. Lufthansa will achieve fuel-efficiency levels of 80 miles per gallon per passenger, an improvement of nearly 50 percent over our already high-quality fuel standards. Similar efficiencies hold true for the Boeing 747-8, the extended, modernized version of the jumbo jet, for which we are the launch customer.
GT: What else can passengers expect from Lufthansa in the near future?
JB: Lufthansa is known for its leadership role in today’s ground services revolution. We initiated the trend in 2004, setting new standards in first-class service upon opening the world’s only dedicated first-class terminal. Located in Frankfurt, it features personal assistants, chauffeured luxury car service directly to the aircraft and much more. We recently opened a similar first-class lounge in Munich and are investing $135 million in lounge renovation projects for premium customers worldwide, including a new lounge at JFK opening next year.
GT: Lufthansa recently added service between Munich and Denver. What other routes are planned for North America?
JB: We’ve launched Orlando-Frankfurt service and all-business-class flights between Newark and Frankfurt. In 2008, we’ll introduce Seattle- and Calgary-to-Frankfurt routes, new service from Toronto to Düsseldorf, and an extension of our Newark- and Chicago-to-Düsseldorf service from all-business-class to three-class on a widebody aircraft. Globally, we’ve added flights from Frankfurt to Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan, and from Munich to Singapore.
GT: Are you pulling back from the business jet market?
JB: Not at all! Business Jet service will continue to be part of our overall Lufthansa portfolio. Where it makes sense to fly an all-business-class jet together with — or instead of — a three-cabin widebody plane, or vice versa depends on the demand and development of the individual markets. We’re very satisfied with our all-business-class model — we pioneered the concept in 2002.
GT: What brought you to your current position with Lufthansa?
JB: I started my career as a freight forwarder, and later worked in the traffic handling department at Lufthansa Cargo. In 1994, I moved to corporate procurement, where I worked my way up to the vice president position. During that time I also completed management degrees at McGill College in Montreal and at Rendsburg College in Germany. More recently, I oversaw the post-merger integration of Swiss International Airlines into the Lufthansa Group before entering my current position in September 2006 as vice president, The Americas. I now oversee Lufthansa’s sales and marketing, 24 airport stations and nearly 700 employees throughout the region.
Read This Next
Park Hyatt Washington
2008
Dec 10, 2012All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedJune 2025
Jun 7, 2025Escape to Lewes, a Chill Beach Town Where Local Cocktails and Craft Beer Flow Freely
Sandwiched between the Jersey Shore and the tiny state’s on-the-beaten-path beach destinations like Rehoboth, Bethany and Dewey, Lewes is easy to miss. But it’s definitely worth more than a drive by for its calm beaches, oceanfront state park, World War II history ... and liquid culture.
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
Daily
Jun 6, 2025Have a “The Devil Wears Prada”-Inspired Afternoon Tea at This London Hotel
Heading to London with plans to catch a performance of The Devil Wears Prada on stage at Dominion Theatre? Be sure to make reservations for an afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury, perfectly positioned in the theater district. The hotel partnered with Dominion in the conception of a themed afternoon tea and cocktail menu, using the show as inspiration.
Daily
Jun 6, 2025Key West’s Most Exclusive New Retreat Opens for Summer Season
Lunara Bay now accepts bookings for its July 1 opening. The property is the island's largest oceanfront accommodation with 26 luxury waterfront estates, redefining the Key West experience thanks to coastal residence comforts with the elevated service of a 5-star resort.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Destinations / North America
Jun 6, 2025Take the Family Along for Wilderness Adventures
Imagine waking up in the morning, enjoying breakfast within a rustic lodge and looking out the windows to see grizzly bears scooping live salmon out of the river. That’s just one of the many once-in-a-lifetime tableaux you’re bound to see during a stay within Great Bear Rainforest. Even if you’re visiting for business, you’ll find plenty of pleasure to partake in during your stay; and it’s super family-friendly, so why not bring the whole crew along for the adventure?
eFlyer Reviews
Jun 4, 2025Hyatt Centric Las Olas Review
Today’s Fort Lauderdale is not the one you or your older relatives experienced in college; while beachfront surf shops along Fort Lauderdale Boulevard recall that colorful Spring Break era, Las Olas Boulevard embodies the city’s recent glow-up, particularly after the pandemic. In fact, it was spring 2020 when Hyatt Centric Las Olas opened its doors and played a major role in reshaping and rethinking Fort Lauderdale as a relaxed but lively vacation or business destination.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
eFlyer News
Jun 4, 2025American Airlines Now Offers Touchless ID Screening at These Airports
American Airlines implemented a streamlined process at TSA airport security checkpoints through TSA PreCheck Touchless ID on May 29 at several airports across the United States. AAdvantage members traveling through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport will be eligible.
ShareThis