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Dave

Delta expands free streaming quality Wi-Fi to transatlantic flights

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Delta Air Lines has begun rolling out fast, free Wi-Fi on select long-haul international routes, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s journey towards offering complimentary, reliable, streaming-quality connectivity across its entire global fleet. This development is expected to cover most transatlantic flights by the end of the summer.

Starting this summer, Delta passengers on certain Viasat-equipped international flights can enjoy free Wi-Fi, presented by T-Mobile, as part of the airline’s broader initiative to extend this service globally.

Streaming quality: passengers on Delta Air Lines flights can enjoy free, high speed Wi-Fi

Currently, free Wi-Fi is available on nearly 700 aircraft, covering more than 90% of Delta’s domestic mainline fleet. The airline anticipates that most customers will have access to this service by the end of the year.

Ranjan Goswami, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Design at Delta, highlighted the significance of this rollout, stating,

As we continue to roll out fast, free Wi-Fi and the in-flight experiences it powers, we’re able to serve customers travelling both domestically and internationally in new, in-the-moment ways. The scale at which we’re bringing free Wi-Fi to customers is unmatched in the airline industry, and it’s a testament to the incredible efforts of Delta teams across the business that have expertly navigated an extremely complex rollout.

Delta is implementing this service on Viasat-equipped widebody aircraft on a route-by-route basis to ensure it meets the high standards expected by customers.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management said,

Delta’s introduction of fast, free Wi-Fi on transatlantic routes is a significant benefit for UK-based business travellers. The ability to stay connected and work efficiently during long-haul flights will greatly enhance productivity, making it easier to manage international business commitments without interruption. This advancement underscores the ongoing improvements in business travel, ensuring our clients can maximise their time in the air.

Additional routes will be gradually introduced as reliable, high-quality service becomes available, following a phased strategy similar to that used for domestic installations in 2022.

Ranjan Goswami: the scale at which we’re bringing free Wi-Fi to customers is unmatched in the airline industry

Initially, the international Wi-Fi portal will not require passengers to log in with their SkyMiles account. However, later this year, all Viasat Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft will transition to the Delta Sync Wi-Fi experience, offering personalised onboard experiences and exclusive offers to SkyMiles members.

Timeline

Fast, free Wi-Fi started rollout on most flights between the US and France (Paris and Nice). The following list shows the start of rollout for further countries.

  • August 2024 United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Italy
  • September 2024 Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland
  • October 2024 Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru; followed by Hawaii
  • December 2024-January 2025 Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal   
  • Mid-Late 2025 Transpacific region (including Asia, Australia and New Zealand) and South Africa

For information on Delta Air Lines flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Record-breaking July: Heathrow tops Europe’s airports with 8 million passengers

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Heathrow Airport welcomed nearly 8 million passengers in July, cementing its position as Europe’s busiest airport for the first half of 2024, outpacing other major hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris Charles de Gaulle by millions of passengers.

For the first time in its history, Heathrow surpassed 1.8 million passengers in a single week – an achievement it managed for three consecutive weeks from 8th to 28th July. This remarkable milestone came as the airport experienced six of its busiest ever departure days during the summer holiday period, with over 140,000 passengers and almost 140,000 bags passing through the airport daily.

The airport’s success during this period can be attributed to strong collaboration with its partners, ensuring smooth operations despite global challenges such as a recent IT outage and protest activity.

Popular destinations like Venice and Larnaca saw a surge in travellers, while routes to Doha, Dublin, Dubai and New York’s JFK Airport each recorded over a million passengers this year. US destinations including Orlando, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston and Dallas also experienced significant boosts in passenger numbers.

In addition to passenger traffic, Heathrow reported an 8% year-on-year increase in cargo tonnage for July 2024, further solidifying its role as the UK’s leading air cargo hub. This growth in cargo underscores Heathrow’s vital contribution to the UK economy, supporting exports, tourism, and investment across the country.

However, despite these successes, Heathrow has faced challenges. Since the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme in 2023, the airport has lost 90,000 transfer passengers on routes to and from the seven countries affected by the scheme. This decline appears to be a blow to Heathrow’s competitiveness as a global hub, and the airport is urging the UK Government to reconsider the inclusion of airside transit passengers in the scheme.

Commenting on the airport’s achievements, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said,

Team GB’s performance in Paris has been an inspiration to the nation and to Team Heathrow. In July, we were smashing a passenger record almost every single day and we’re chasing down our never before seen goal of serving 8 million passengers in a single month. I’m proud that although there were a few potential challenges which could have caused us to stumble, our team remained focused on the prize of making every journey better and delivered a medal-winning start to the summer getaway.

For further information on flights from Heathrow, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Heathrow introduces new Summer experiences to enhance travel

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UK-based business travellers who frequently pass through Heathrow may find this summer’s offerings particularly appealing. While the airport is a familiar stop for many, Heathrow has introduced a range of new experiences, retailers, and dining options that provide fresh opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment before a flight.

With an anticipated 30 million passengers this Summer, these additions are set to enhance the experience for those looking to make the most of their time at the airport..

Here are the top ten experiences that await passengers at Heathrow this summer:

1. Engage in Pre-Flight Ping Pong and Table Football
Travellers can dive into some friendly competition while waiting to board, with classic tabletop games like Pong and table football now available in each of Heathrow’s departure lounges. These free-to-play games celebrate the sport-filled British summer and are available until 12 August.

Wiff waff: table top games including ping pong (above) and table football (below)

2. Get Creative with Kids’ Crafts
Back by popular demand, Heathrow’s arts and crafts trolleys are perfect for keeping young travellers entertained. Activities such as colouring, origami and magic painting offer a mess-free way for children to unleash their creativity before take-off.

3. Fast Track Security for a Smooth Start
Travellers can breeze through security by pre-booking Heathrow’s Fast Track service for just £12.50 per person. This convenient option is available for booking up until midday the day before travel, ensuring a stress-free start to any journey.

Fast Track: breeze through security

4. Enjoy Free Kids’ Meals Across All Terminals
Heathrow is helping families save this summer with its Kids Eat Free offer. Until 1 September, parents can enjoy a free kids’ meal for every main course purchased at participating restaurants throughout the airport, making it easier than ever to treat the whole family.

5. Sip on English Wines at The Vinery
For those seeking a touch of luxury, Terminal 2’s new wine bar, The Vinery, offers a curated selection of English wines, along with a seasonally tailored menu. The bar’s tasting flights provide an opportunity to sample a range of sommelier-selected flavours, perfect for a pre-flight indulgence.

The Vinery: fine dining meets modern convenience

6. Marvel at Olympic-Themed Living Statues
From 26 to 31 July, Heathrow’s terminals will host stunning Olympic-themed living statues. These performers, who bring sporting prowess to life with incredible poses, are sure to amaze passengers as they spring to life unexpectedly.

7. Travel in Style with a Personal Shopper
Heathrow’s complimentary Personal Shopper service is available for passengers seeking expert fashion and gifting advice. Located in dedicated lounges across Terminals 2, 3 and 5, this service offers a luxurious, tailored shopping experience.


Private shopper: experience the stress-busting benefits of a private shopping experience, free of charge

8. Refuel at Heathrow’s New Starbucks
Terminal 5 now boasts a brand-new Starbucks, offering a relaxing space for travellers to enjoy a cappuccino before their flight. The new store’s design, inspired by coffee-growing landscapes, provides the perfect atmosphere for a quick refresh.

Caffeine Corner: a new Starbucks in T5

9. Savour Artisanal Dishes at Jones The Grocer
The UK’s first Jones The Grocer store has opened in Terminal 2, offering passengers a chance to enjoy artisanal meals in a serene setting. The store also features an Express counter for those in need of a quick, gourmet bite.

Foodie Paradise: Jones the Grocer, founded in Australia in 1996, is a haven for artisan food lovers

10. Discover The Macallan Boutique’s Sensory Journey
Whisky enthusiasts can explore The Macallan Boutique in Terminal 5, the first of its kind in Europe. The boutique offers a sensory experience that celebrates The Macallan’s rich heritage, with a unique collection of whiskies available for purchase.

Whisky Haven: The passion and peerless spirit of The Macallan Estate is brought to life in Europe’s first Macallan Boutique, located in Heathrow Terminal 5

Heathrow’s latest additions are designed to cater to a diverse range of tastes and interests, ensuring that every passenger can find something to enjoy before their flight. From sports fans to foodies and families, there’s something for everyone at Heathrow this summer.

For more information on flights from Heathrow, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

British & Irish Lions Tour 2025: Qatar Airways named Official Airline Partner

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Qatar Airways has been announced as the Official Title Partner and Official Airline Partner for the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in 2025. The event, which brings together the best rugby players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to face off against Australia’s Wallabies, is set to kick off on 28 June 2025.

The British & Irish Lions Tour is a celebrated event in the rugby calendar, occurring every four years and captivating fans across the globe.

For the 2025 Tour, the Lions will begin their journey in Australia with a match at the Adelaide Oval, followed by a series of Test matches at premier venues across the country. The Test series will commence at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on 19 July, move to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on 26 July, and conclude at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on 2 August.

Qatar Airways, a multi-time winner of the Skytrax World’s Best Airline award, will be responsible for flying the Lions squad and their touring party to Australia.

This partnership continues Qatar Airways’ strong involvement in major sporting events, building on its sponsorship of the Qatar Airways Cup International Test matches held at Twickenham in 2023 and 2024.

In a statement, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm for the partnership:

We are taking our commitment to the sport of rugby to the next level, flying some of the world’s best athletes, coaching staff and officials to compete in The Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia 2025. We look forward to enabling rugby fans across the world to connect for this unique sporting event.

The airline’s extensive network in Australia, offering 42 weekly flights to key cities such as Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, will facilitate the travel of fans and ensure seamless connectivity to the tour’s matches.

Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting,

An airline partner is a vital logistical component of every Lions tour… Qatar Airways has a proven track record of excellence as a premium global airline, providing high-quality service to customers travelling to and from almost 100 countries.

Rugby Australia’s CEO, Phil Waugh, added,

This announcement of Qatar Airways as the Series Title Partner sees one of the world’s finest airlines getting behind one of the most iconic major sporting events in the world, and represents another substantial boost to what promises to be a memorable occasion across Australia next year.

As the countdown to the 2025 Tour begins, Qatar Airways is committed to ensuring a superior travel experience for the expected 20,000 fans heading to Australia, while also maintaining its dedication to sustainability.

The airline continues to lead in environmental initiatives, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption, carbon offsetting, and waste reduction, aligning its operations with the principles of a circular economy.

For UK-based business travellers planning to attend the tour, Qatar Airways offers not only unmatched connectivity but also a wealth of exclusive experiences through its Privilege Club Collection. With over 170 global destinations, the airline provides seamless access from the UK and Ireland to Australia via its hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

If you require further information about planning your next trip to Australia or for flights across the Qatar Airways network, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

KLM names new A321neo fleet after butterflies, emphasising environmental commitment

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KLM has announced the names of its first four A321neo aircraft, with the first, named Swallowtail, expected to arrive at the end of August.

The KLM fleet will see further additions later this year with Peach Blossom, Common Brimstone and Waved Carpet joining the fleet.

This move continues KLM’s long-standing tradition of bestowing unique names upon its planes, a practice it has maintained for over 104 years.

Past themes have included names of members of the Royal family, notable bridges, aviation pioneers and national parks.

For this new series, KLM employees have chosen butterflies as the theme.

Butterfly Fleet: KLM’s A321neo “Swallowtail”

The introduction of the A321neo is a significant milestone in KLM’s fleet renewal efforts, supporting their commitment to the sector plan of “Cleaner, Quieter, More Efficient.”

These new aircraft are considerably quieter than their predecessors and achieve a 21% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometer.

KLM’s innovative approach underscores its dedication to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. The choice of butterflies, known for their grace and transformation, symbolises KLM’s continuous evolution in the aviation sector.

For information on flights with KLM, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Notes for Editors:

Dave

New comfort bags and premium care products for KLM business passengers

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From 1 July 2024, KLM World Business Class passengers and visitors to the KLM Crown Lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol can look forward to indulging in premium personal care products from renowned Dutch brand Marie-Stella-Maris.

Following this, from 1 August, these high-quality products will be featured in newly designed comfort bags distributed in KLM’s World Business Class.

Marleen van de Pol, VP Customer Experience said,

KLM aims to make every journey meaningful and believes in putting quality before quantity. After all, travel is not about ticking destinations off a list but about unique encounters and personal experiences

The new comfort bags are a result of KLM’s collaboration with the creative talents at Envisions, a design agency based in Eindhoven.

The agency, founded by young graduates from the Design Academy Eindhoven, drew inspiration from different moments of the day to create four distinctive designs for the comfort bags.

KLM Crown Lounge visitors and World Business Class passengers can enjoy a selection of hand soap, hand gel, hand lotion and a face mist. Additionally, the comfort bags will include a face moisturiser and lip balm, ensuring travellers stay refreshed and pampered during their journey.

Premium Care: KLM introduces Marie-Stella-Maris personal care products and Envisions-designed comfort bags for World Business Class passengers starting July 2024.

Marie-Stella-Maris products, known for their high-quality ingredients and commitment to sustainability, are made in the Netherlands with a minimum of 96% natural ingredients, such as shea butter, almond oil and hazelnut oil.

The brand donates 2.5% of its sales to sustainable water projects, aligning with KLM’s commitment to social responsibility.

The introduction of these new products and comfort bags will see the replacement of the current Rituals comfort bags and products from 1 August.

For more information about KLM flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Heroic London Gatwick staff save passenger’s life with swift CPR response

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A team of dedicated staff at London Gatwick were recently thanked by a passenger for saving his life after he went into cardiac arrest at the airport.

Passenger Eddie Barnes was travelling through London Gatwick’s North Terminal security area on 24 October at 4:20 am, bound for Spain, when he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest.

In a swift and coordinated effort, a total of twelve staff from security, passenger operations, and the London Gatwick Fire Service responded immediately, administering life-saving CPR for more than 15 minutes and using a defibrillator to restart his heart before he was transported to hospital by ambulance.

Eddie has since made a full recovery and recently reunited with the team who saved his life to express his gratitude. He was given a tour of the airport’s airside fire station and had the opportunity to personally thank those involved.

Eddie Barnes shared his experience:

The cardiac arrest that I suffered must be the most profound experience for myself and those close to me and yet had the team at London Gatwick not successfully applied CPR, I would never have known a thing about it.

I had absolutely no warning when it happened, I simply dropped dead.

I am told that for more than 15 minutes CPR was applied in the course of which I received 16 broken ribs and the paddles were applied five times (and once more in the ambulance).

The heart surgeon informed me the number of ribs broken bears testimony to how well the CPR was applied.

It is hard work applying CPR and I will be eternally grateful to the team for not giving up.

Strangely the experience has not left me with any psychological hang-ups. By the time I knew what had happened it was too late to worry and I have every confidence that the team at St Thomas’s who supported me after I left Gatwick have dealt with the problem to prevent a recurrence.

All passenger operations staff at London Gatwick are provided with first aid training, including CPR, while firefighters from the on-site fire service are trained as advanced immediate emergency care responders, able to provide a higher level of medical care. The importance of this training is underscored by the 2,832 first aid calls the Passenger Operations Support team responded to last year, ranging from cardiac arrests to managing queues.

Scott Ronaldson, one of the first responders, reflected on the incident:

At the time Przemyslaw and I were close to finishing a night shift and were doing our usual lap to make sure everything was running smoothly. It was when we were talking to security we noticed screens being pulled across.

When we got to Eddie we noticed he wasn’t breathing. I tore his shirt off and commenced CPR with my colleague Przemyslaw until the rest of our team came with a defibrillator.

I have had a few instances where CPR is required and every time, I know I can rely on our amazing team to drop everything and come running to support. Thanks to the training we receive from the London Gatwick Fire Service we are well prepared for these circumstances and feel comfortable even in the worst cases.

Przemyslaw Karpicki also shared his experience:

Just as our night shift was ending, I was with Scott when we saw a passenger collapse. We didn’t hesitate, we ran straight to him. Security called us to respond, but by then, we were already there, ready to help.

Scott started CPR immediately since Eddie wasn’t breathing. Moments later, two more of our colleagues joined us with a defibrillator. Our training from the London Gatwick Fire Service kicked in, and they arrived shortly after to provide the next level of care. I knew I was surrounded by my colleagues from the passenger operations team and could rely on them completely.

At that moment, during CPR, I wasn’t thinking about my feelings, I was focused entirely on helping Eddie. But when I got home at the end of my shift, the reality hit me. Together with my colleagues, we did something incredible. We gave someone a chance to live, and that feels incredibly special.”

Life saved: (L-R) Przemyslaw Karpicki, Holly-May Parrish (passenger operations), Eddie Barnes and Scott Ronaldson

For further information about flights from Gatwick, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Qantas Reveals ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner for 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Teams

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Qantas has unveiled a ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner to support the 2024 Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

Qantas has shown its support for the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams by revealing a special ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ message on both sides of one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, emphasising its role as the official carrier for the 2024 Games.

Go Australia: Qantas 787 Captain Tom Bissland, Paralympian Emily Petricola, Paralympian Jaryd Clifford, Australian Paralympics Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin, Qantas Customer Service Agent Sofia De Freitas

This custom graphic encapsulates Australian pride on a global stage, reflecting the iconic green and gold spirit.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the long-standing relationship between Qantas and the Australian Olympic Team, which spans over 70 years. She remarked,

Qantas has a long and proud history of supporting the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams, from first flying Olympic athletes to the London Games in 1948 to our engineers designing custom cushions and support devices for our Australian Paralympians to travel comfortably on long-haul sectors.

Hudson added,

We are so proud to support our Australian athletes and supporters to get to the Games once again and hope our special cheer squad 787 will help spur on our teams and supporters to put on a great show in Paris.

Anna Meares, Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, expressed her appreciation for Qantas’ continued support, saying,

Qantas has been supporting Australian Olympic dreams for generations. We are thrilled Qantas will be proudly sharing their support of Australian Olympians on their 787 Dreamliner. As an Olympian, flying on that Qantas plane home from a Games, to meet friends and family in the Qantas hangar welcome home, is such a special memory. I’m looking forward to our 2024 Olympic Team making their own Qantas memories on their journey to and from the Paris Games.

Kate McLoughlin, Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission, also praised Qantas’ contributions, stating,

Our relationship with Qantas is so important to the Australian Paralympic Team. Qantas offers flexibility around the travel requirements of people with a disability and the equipment they carry, and it’s great the way Paralympics Australia and Qantas collaborate to understand the needs of our team. The flight home from the Games is always special. Qantas has delivered our Paralympians on charter flights home from London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 and we’re thrilled that our team will again be flown home to Australia by Qantas after the Paris Paralympics.

In addition to unveiling its ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Qantas is gearing up to launch its new Perth to Paris route next month and will resume its direct Perth to Rome flights for the third consecutive year this weekend. Notably, Qantas remains the sole airline offering direct flights between Australia and continental Europe.

For further information about flying with Qantas, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Air transport industry sees reduced baggage mishandling despite record passenger traffic

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SITA reports a significant drop in the air transport industry’s baggage mishandling rate to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023, despite a surge in passenger numbers, highlighting the positive impact of technology investments.

SITA, a global leader in technology solutions for the air transport industry, has reported a significant improvement in the industry’s baggage handling performance. According to the newly released SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024, the rate of mishandled baggage has fallen from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023. This achievement comes despite passenger numbers exceeding 2019 levels for the first time in five years, reaching 5.2 billion.

The long-term trend highlights the positive impact of technology investments. Since 2007, the mishandling rate has plummeted by 63%, even as passenger traffic has surged by 111%. Nonetheless, the industry continues to face challenges, particularly in managing peak baggage volumes. The report underscores the necessity of advancing the industry’s digitalisation agenda, focusing on AI for data analysis and computer vision technology in automated baggage handling.

The push for improved baggage handling must include full automation, robust communication, and comprehensive visibility of each bag’s journey. SITA’s research reveals that passenger anxiety about delays and cancellations stood at 32% in 2023. The data shows that two-thirds of airlines now offer unassisted bag drop services, and 85% of airports provide self-service bag drop options. This shift reflects a growing industry demand for self-service technology to enhance passenger flows. Furthermore, passengers increasingly prefer to use their mobile phones throughout their journey, with 32% relying on bag collection information sent directly to their devices. Enhanced communication and visibility will foster greater adoption of digital self-service, giving passengers more control over their travel experience.

Collaboration remains crucial. While airlines and airports share baggage data, there is room for improvement. Currently, only 58% of airlines share data at baggage collection, whereas 66% of airports share baggage delivery data with airlines. SITA’s Baggage IT Insights survey cites IATA’s Resolution 753 initiative, which calls for full baggage tracking and real-time status data sharing across the baggage journey. Additionally, Airports Council International advocates for self-service, real-time communication, and visibility for passengers to reduce stress and anxiety.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, commented:

The improved mishandled baggage rate in 2023 is great news for passengers and for aviation. It’s especially impressive as global passenger traffic grew strongly in 2023 and is set to double by 2040. We clearly see from the SITA Baggage IT Insights results that baggage automation is the way forward, with more collaboration, more communication with passengers, and investments in new technologies such as AI and computer vision to make the journey smoother. From my own travel experiences, I can say this will be really welcome. Technologies like these are essential because they help us gather, integrate, and share data effectively. This means we can uncover important insights that make decision-making easier and more automated.

Regionally, the SITA Baggage IT Insights report reveals varying trends. In North America, the mishandling rate decreased modestly from 7.1 per 1,000 bags in 2007 to 5.8 in 2023. U.S. airlines achieved a 9% year-on-year reduction in mishandled baggage in 2023, attributed to increased frontline workers and investments in baggage equipment and IT.

In Europe, the region experienced the most significant long-term reduction globally, with the mishandling rate dropping from 16.6 per 1,000 bags in 2007 to 10.6 in 2023.

In Asia Pacific, the mishandling rate has remained steady at 3.0 per 1,000 bags in 2023, down slightly from 3.1 in 2007, representing the best performance globally. The report commends the region’s consistent success, despite recovery challenges, attributing this to effective digitalisation of baggage handling processes.

To book flights on any airline, worldwide, contact your Globall Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Lufthansa boosts flights for European Championships, flying fans to Germany

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Lufthansa is flying football fans to Germany for the European Championship with additional flights and special onboard experiences.

Lufthansa is set to fly football fans to Germany for the European Football Championship, with an additional 200,000 bookings recorded from 14 June to 14 July, and numerous extra flights scheduled, particularly between Germany and Great Britain.

Fanhansa flights: six A320s display the “Fanhansa” lettering

As excitement builds, Lufthansa has transformed six of its A320 aircraft into “Fanhansa” planes, fully decked out to immerse passengers in a football atmosphere from the moment they board. This includes themed headrests, food trays labelled “Breakfast for Champions” and special European Championship chocolates served on all flights.

Heiko Reitz, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Airlines, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm:

As a partner of the German men’s national soccer team, we are eagerly awaiting the event. We are particularly looking forward to flying soccer fans from all over the world to Germany.

For those keen to stay updated on match progress, Lufthansa offers a live ticker service on domestic German and European flights. Passengers on Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines can follow real-time match updates in German and English via the FlyNet® portal on their electronic devices, free of charge, throughout the tournament. This feature is also available on Lufthansa’s A350 flights with the new Allegris cabin interior and on Discover Airlines long-haul flights through the FlyNet® portal.

Additionally, passengers can enjoy player videos and quizzes featuring the German national team and gather information about the ten German host cities through the new Lufthansa Insights content system, accessible onboard. Flight crews will keep passengers updated with the latest scores during all Lufthansa flights.

Adding to the festive spirit, Lufthansa has introduced a special European fan scarf, symbolising the airline’s route network. This souvenir will be distributed free of charge at host city airports during Germany matches. A giant version of the scarf will adorn the facade of Terminal 2 in Munich, setting the tone for a summer of major events including the European Championships, European elections, and the Paris Olympic Games. The display will be visible until mid-August.

For more details on travelling to Germany during the European Championships, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.