The German airline Lufthansa estimates it will derive turnover worth 29 million euros on the Romanian market this year, 45% higher than the level seen in 2004.
"Given the higher number of flights delivered in 2005 as compared with 2004, the positive evolution of the market, as well as the growth of business travel, our turnover target for this year stands at 29 million euros," stated Stefan Lau, Lufthansa managing director for Romania and Moldova.
The number of weekly flights operated by Lufthansa rose to 47 this year, from 28 weekly flights in October 2004.
Ranking third in Romania, after Tarom and Air France-KLM, Lufthansa plans to increase its current 15% market share.
"Provided we get the necessary authorisations linked to flight rights, we intend to operate higher capacity aircraft in the summer of 2006, which will allow for a market share increase of 3-4%," explained Lau.
The company''s plans for the future include a larger number of Lufthansa promotion campaigns through the introduction of an electronic ticket system and a loyalty programme for small and middle-sized companies.
Though closely watching the evolution of low-cost airlines, Lufthansa does not believe their position is endangered by the presence of these operators.
"They will certainly influence the development of the market. They will primarily challenge the already existing market segment, made up of the passengers of current airlines, but they will generate some new potential: some of the people currently travelling by coach will resort to their services," said Lau.
The Lufthansa director believes the Romanian air transportation market has seen an upward development. "Efforts towards the country''s integration into the European Community, economic growth and Romania''s attractiveness with regard to investments are the main factors that will drive the development of air transportation. Romania''s population and the higher standards of living are of no less importance, either."
The German company operates 47 weekly flights from Romania to Germany: 3 daily flights to Munich, 2 daily flights to Frankfurt. Starting this year, the German company has introduced two new flights: Bucharest-Dusseldorf and Bucharest-Timisoara-Munich, operating 6 days a week.
Lufthansa is not the only international airline to have become aware of the growth potential of the Romanian market and to have introduced extra flights. The same policy has been more or less applied by other airlines as well, such as British Airways, Air France or KLM. lavinia.marin@zf.ro
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