Due to a positive economic climate in the country the Lufthansa German Airlines (LGA) has resumed its flights in Pakistan, 'which is a growing market with a highly mobile population.'
"What a truly historic moment for the two partners; Lufthansa and Pakistan", Joachim Steinbach, Lufthansa vice-president (sales and services) Southeast Europe, Africa and Middle East/Pakistan, stated at a press conference in a local hotel on Tuesday.
Highlighting the remarkable reception the airline received on its landing in Karachi and Lahore, Steinbach said touch down of the aircraft in the two big cities had marked the successful return of Lufthansa to Pakistan, which has appeared as a new star in the Lufthansa route network.
When asked if there was an investment-friendly climate in Pakistan, Steinbach said: "Lufthansa's move has come at the right time." "Many multinational companies are present in the country and foreign direct investments have considerably increased over the years", he added. The new non-stop connection reduces travel time by up to three hours compared to current connecting flights from the Gulf.
"This is a benefit for the business travellers who will find convenience with both connectivity and time. Our passengers will have access to the extensive route network of Lufthansa connecting through our hub in Frankfurt to other European destinations as well as to the US", he added.
Referring to the tremendous support from the various authorities for a smooth launch of the Lufthansa flights in Pakistan, Steinbach said: "The doors have always been open for us." He said there was a strong demand for air travel to Europe and North America in Pakistan and the new direct link would further promote the commercial and tourism-related activities between Islamabad and Berlin.
He said the Lufthansa would operate three flights a week between Germany and Pakistan. The airline is the first European carrier to start flights from Karachi and for the first time connecting Lahore non-stop to Europe, he added.
In his briefing to the press, Peter Pollak, general manager, Passenger Sales UAE and director, Gulf and Pakistan, said the feedback from the market for the airline's new route had signalled positively.
"With our sales and marketing activities are in full swing, the response from our customers and business partners has been overwhelming. We expect a surge in business for the time ahead," said Pollak. He said a joint Lufthansa/ Swiss marketing and sales organisation is in place and both the carriers would open up the market and further boost sales opportunities in Pakistan.