TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 16, 2013) -
Editors Note: A photo is associated with this press release.
Lufthansa announces the launch of its new long-haul route from Munich to Vancouver beginning today - Thursday, May 16, 2013 - when Lufthansa Flight LH456 (an Airbus A330) touches down in Vancouver at 17:10 PST. The new route marks 30 years of Lufthansa service to Vancouver and complements the airline's daily Frankfurt-Vancouver flights which commenced in May of 1983.
The new Munich-Vancouver route is the only international long-haul route Lufthansa is adding this year worldwide. The daily flights provide travellers from Vancouver with an alternative gateway to Germany, Europe and beyond - with over 282 destinations worldwide. The Munich airport is another award-winning global hub in Germany located in the capital of Bavaria.
"Our new Vancouver-Munich route offers an exciting new choice for British Columbian travellers, but it also provides European business and leisure travellers another travel option to the largest city in British Columbia," explained Juergen Siebenrock, Vice President, The Americas, Lufthansa German Airlines. "Given the strong performance of our Vancouver-Frankfurt route and the increasing demand by Western Canadians for a new direct passage to Germany, the new route makes a great addition to our services by adding more than 1,500 additional seats to Germany every week."
"We are extremely pleased that Lufthansa has decided to offer a new seasonal Vancouver-Munich route out of YVR," said Larry Berg, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "We value our partnership with Lufthansa and their investment in the Western Canadian market. This route will enhance our European summer services, create positive economic growth for the province and will also bolster trade and tourism in the European market."
In addition to passenger service, for 30 years, the Vancouver-Frankfurt flights have provided an important service for Canadian exports to destinations all over Europe. This has played a vital role in the economy for both Vancouver and Canada. The new Munich route creates yet another important access point for Canadian businesses.
Bookings for the new non-stop service can be made now via Lufthansa's official site at www.lufthansa.com. Customers can also book their flights through Lufthansa travel agency partners, at Lufthansa sales counters at airports, or through Lufthansa's new mobile app.
The new route at a glance:
| Munich - Vancouver | |
| Airports/ Three-letter-code/ Time zone (summer) | Munich (MUC); UTC + 2 hours Vancouver (YVR); UTC - 7 hours |
| Schedule(all times are local times) | NEW from May 16 to October 5, 2013 LH 476 Munich 15:30 hours - Vancouver 17:05 hours LH 477 Vancouver 18:45 hours - Munich 14:00 hours (+1 day) |
| Flight duration (on average) | Munich - Vancouver: 10 hours 35 minutes Vancouver - Munich: 10 hours 15 minutes |
| Distance | 8,365 km / 5,200 miles |
| Aircraft type | Lufthansa Airbus A330-300 |
| Seating capacity | 221 seats (8 First Class, 48 Business Class, 165 Economy Class) |
About Lufthansa
One of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa currently flies to 253 destinations in 103 countries, with hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and with the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS - Vienna, Brussels and Zurich. From its 20 North American gateways, Lufthansa- recently voted by Fortune as one of the five most admired airlines in the world- and its partners serve over 450 destinations in more than 120 countries. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-400 and the 747-8, as well as the Airbus A330, A340 and A380. Currently, Lufthansa has over 236 new aircraft worth about $22 billion on order. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and was the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, the industries' two most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues its $105 million program earmarked for building new or upgrading existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend more than $3.6 billion in new onboard products and services by 2015. Lufthansa offers FlyNet - broadband wireless Internet service - onboard all its Canadian flights. For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com.
About Vancouver
Vancouver - with a population of 2.3 million - is the largest city in Western Canada. A major centre for trade and commerce, it is also Canada's largest seaport and is home to the headquarters of many forestry and mining companies. Numerous IT companies have settled in the surrounding region. In addition, Vancouver is a popular tourist and holiday destination and boasts a wide range of sights and attractions.
To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20130516-luft0516_800.jpg
Contact Information:
Jesson + Company Communications Inc.
Barbara Jesson
+1 416-323-7828
bjesson@jessonco.com
Jesson + Company Communications Inc.
Nicola Blazier
+1 416-323-7828
nblazier@jessonco.com
www.lufthansa.com/newsroom
