The regional general manager for Germany’s Lufthansa Group detailed new airline offerings and discount services at an appearance at the Rotary Club Phoenix Pattaya.
Dirk Grossmann, head of the airline group’s Thailand and the Mekong Region office, was welcomed to the Dec. 1 meeting at the Holiday Inn Pattaya by Rotary Club Phoenix President Hubert Maier.
Grossmann presented offers by the Star Alliance members of Lufthansa Group – Lufthansa, Swissair and Austrian Airlines –as well as the new low-cost carrier, Eurowings.
Dirk Grossmann.
He pointed out that Lufthansa has 1,142 employees in Thailand. The economic situation for Lufthansa is quite positive despite competitive pressures and macroeconomic difficulties in some markets, he said.
Each week there are 28 Lufthansa Group flights from Thailand to Europe and all can be combined together. There are five hubs in Europe: Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich and Vienna.
Throughout the world, Lufthansa has 261 destinations in 101 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region alone, 25 destinations in 11 countries are served. The regional market in the Mekong region with about 240 million inhabitants has approximately the same population as Germany, France, Spain and Italy together.
The audience was shown the new services Lufthansa has to offer. “More space, more service, more than happy” is the slogan for the new Premium Economy Class.
Almost all Lufthansa long-haul aircraft have been equipped with stretch-out seats. Those who cannot sleep can watch movies on larger touchscreens. The food is served on porcelain dishes.
There is a baggage allowance of two pieces of 23 kilograms each in Premium Economy. During waiting times before or between flights, passengers in Premium Economy have access to almost all Lufthansa Business Lounges.
The new Business Class seats can be pulled out and allow passengers to stretch out comfortably on a 1.98 m long bed. The touchscreens in this class are also bigger than in the Premium Economy Class. International cuisine, prepared by renowned chefs, is served on elegant porcelain.
And then there is the wine cellar. “Vinothek Discoveries” are like an exquisite wine cellar with wines from around the world, compiled especially for Lufthansa by renowned sommelier Markus del Monego. All other drinks are offered as well.
In the business lounge, free Wi-Fi and a work station with free Internet access is available. There also are 28 shower cubicles and a baggage allowance of 32 kg.
Austrian Airlines and Swissair also offer pull-out flat-bed seats.
Austrians, well known for the art of preparing coffee in at least 49 different ways, offer a coffeehouse atmosphere in the air. A chef in uniform serves the food himself and tries to fulfill all wishes.
Passengers can get more information about more deals at the respective websites of Star Alliance members. For companies, PartnerPlusBenefit .com serves their needs.
Grossman expressed hope that U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya airport’s renovation will soon be finished and that the additional capacity could further promote the growth of tourism.
