German airline Lufthansa is evaluating the possibility of reintroducing direct flights between Europe and Manila, as part of its expansion plans in Southeast Asia, according to a report from The Philippine Star.
The airline previously ceased its Frankfurt-Manila route in April 2008 citing commercial restructuring and strong competition, leaving KLM as the sole European carrier flying to the Philippines at the time.
During a recent forum hosted by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lufthansa officials expressed their intent to reinstate nonstop service to Manila once the right aircraft becomes available.
“Manila is actually one of the destinations we want to come back to. It’s a big and important market, even though we’re not even flying here,” stated Anlee Do, Lufthansa Group’s General Manager for Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, and the Mekong Region.
Prior to its exit in 2008, Lufthansa operated seven weekly flights between Manila and Europe, offering over 30 percent of the traveler traffic on the route with 66 business class and 279 economy class seats per flight
However, the airline says it currently lacks a suitable aircraft to operate the nonstop route from Europe to Manila.
“The reason why it’s not happening now is that we don’t have the right aircraft yet. We are waiting for 200 aircraft to be delivered, and we need to use the right one to actually fly to Manila,” Do explained. “Because when it happens, it’s not going to be via somewhere, it’s going to be a nonstop service all the way from Europe to Manila.”
The German airline boasts an impressive fleet of widebody aircraft that currently includes the Airbus A330-300, Airbus A340-300, Airbus A340-600, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A380-800, Boeing 747-400, and Boeing 747-8I.
Looking ahead, Lufthansa anticipates expanding its widebody fleet with the addition of several new aircraft. Specifically, the airline is set to receive the Airbus A350-900, Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 777-9, and Boeing 787-9.
Lufthansa’s potential return to Manila underscores the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia and tap into emerging markets.
The reintroduction of direct flights is anticipated to enhance connectivity between Europe and the Philippines, catering to the growing demand for travel in both regions.
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