ROUTES EUROPE: Germanwings Boss Offers Industry Observations

Germanwings’ Senior Vice President, Michael Klee, speaks about how the low-cost carrier fits into the Lufthansa Group, why Italy continues to grow in importance as a market and offers some advice to people working in the airline industry.

Q) How does Germanwings’ network fit into the Lufthansa Group?
A) Germanwings’ network is perfectly complementary to Lufthansa’s network and our strongholds are well positioned in markets where Lufthansa does not play a significant role.

Q) Do you have a route launch that you were particularly proud of?
A) It is always very interesting to open new routes in markets where there was previously no or limited service and to see subsequent developments.

Q) In which countries have you seen the most route development in the past two years?
A) Italy has become an increasingly important market to Germanwings. This summer we will open new routes to Bari, Cagliari, Catania, Naples, Pisa and Venice, and the forward bookings are looking very promising.

Q) In which cities do you expect to see growth in the next year?
A) Germanwings is planning to further develop its network in Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin. We see various opportunities in these markets and we are already well positioned in all of them.

Q) How do you see Germanwings’ network developing in the future?
A) Our main goal is to add additional frequencies to existing routes in order to adapt our schedule to the needs of the business traveller, which is a fast-growing group among our customers.

Q) Is Germanwings keen to add additional points in Russia?
A) Germanwings was the first low-cost carrier to add Moscow to its network. Since then, Russia has become more and more important to us. In line with the development of our distribution strategy and our presence on the global distribution systems, we continue to see great potential in Russia.

Q) How do you expect Ryanair’s expansion in the Greek market this summer to affect your network there?
A) Traditionally we have a very strong position in the Greek market and we do not see any impact from Ryanair´s flights.

Q) In what ways do you work with your Lufthansa Group partners?
A) It was a major milestone to start interlining with Lufthansa in January. Now passengers can combine Germanwings with Lufthansa flights, giving them significant flexibility. We are also part of Lufthansa’s frequent flyer programme, Miles & More, and we participate in Lufthansa’s corporate programme.

Q) Are you planning a fleet expansion?
A) We just ordered eight new A319 aircraft to be delivered within the next three years.

Q) How do you differentiate yourself from other regional carriers?
A) We are clearly positioned as a low-cost carrier but have adapted our product to the needs of the business traveller and the German market without adding too much complexity to our operation. We offer a very good product for a very attractive price.

Q) How has your traffic performed over the past year?
A) In 2010, Germanwings grew by 7.9 per cent to 7.73 million passengers.

Q) Why do you enjoy working in the aviation industry?
A) There is never a dull moment!

Q) What is your advice to people looking to enter the airline industry?
A) Be aware that this industry as a whole will never make money and pick your company carefully.

Q) How do you spend your time away from work?
A) I love to play and watch football.

Q) What is your top holiday destination and why?
A) Definitely Italy: I like the food, the people, the sun; we have a great flight schedule and last but not least: my wife is Italian.

You can read the full interview with Michael Klee in the latest edition of Routes News.

A copy of the world air service development magazine is also in all delegate bags at Routes Europe and there are extra copies on the World Routes stand (S7).