Has Assumed All Of The German Carriers Short-Haul Routes

In a move that was originally announced in December, 2012, Lufthansa has relaunched Germanwings as a low-fare brand flying short-haul routes from its German hub cities.

Buying Business Travel reports that Germanwings will be flying from Frankfort and Munich to such destinations as Berlin, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Cologne/Bonn. Carsten Spohr, a board member of the Lufthansa Group, said the move combines "the strengths of Germanwings with the advantages of Lufthansa."

The airline will offer three tiers of fares, ranging from basic no-frills to a "Best" fare that offers additional amenities including premium seating, a 50 pound luggage allowance, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Spohr said the move will allow Lufthansa to continue to operate profitably on internal European routes beyond its hubs.

But Bloomberg Businessweek reports that the carrier is in intense contract negotiations with its cabin crews with a strike deadline looming next week. The union representing the cabin crews, UFO (Unabhaengige Flugbegleiter Organisation), is demanding a 5 percent pay hike. The strike deadline was July 8. A spokesman for Germanwings said it had put an "improved offer on the table" Thursday.

FMI: www.germanwings.com/en/index.shtml