Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa boost their shared flight network

Australian travellers bound for Europe will find more flights on the menu, along with better connections and booking options, with Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa now working even closer together.

An expanded joint venture between the two Star Alliance carriers brings almost of Europe along with the UK under its wing.

The first phase the pact, launched across 2016-2017, “was well received” says Singapore Airlines regional chief Louis Arul, “although it was limited to a few markets.”

“In Europe, on the Lufthansa Group’s side, it was Germany, Swiss, Austria and Belgium, but this  next stage of the expansion will include all European countries,” Arul tells Executive Traveller.

In addition to being able to book more destinations under a single ticket, the joint venture will deliver better connections on key European routes by letting Singapore Airlines and the Lufthansa Group adjust their schedules for flights between their respective hubs, dovetailing arrivals and departures to avoid just missing a flight or facing an overly-long transit time.

It’s also a natural tie-up for these Star Alliance siblings, with business class travellers and Gold-grade frequent flyers able to enjoy each airline's lounges, priority checkin and other premium perks. 

Lufthansa and Swiss already count Australia as the largest market to which they don’t actually fly, with Singapore serving as the primary Australian feed for both airlines.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission approved the expansion of the SQ/LH joint venture earlier this year, saying  “the coordination is likely to result in public benefits in the form of an enhanced product and service offering, and cost savings and efficiencies.”

“There is unlikely to be detriment to the public, with strong competitors remaining on the routes in question.”