“Fuel available for summer – Book with the Lufthansa Group” | News
Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group
Mr Vranckx, most European airlines are confident that there will be no shortage of aviation fuel this summer. Customers can book flights with peace of mind, they say. Do you share that opinion?
Yes, that applies to us too. At all six European hubs of the Lufthansa Group – Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels and Rome – as well as abroad, there are no signs from our suppliers that fuel supplies will be at risk this summer.
Isn’t that a bit optimistic?
Just under a quarter of aviation fuel shipments bound for Europe must pass through the Strait of Hormuz. To compensate for any shortfalls in these supplies, imports now increasingly reach us from other continents – for example from North America and Africa. In addition, European refineries have increased their jet fuel production to maximum capacity.
So that everyone can book their summer holiday safely?
Absolutely – the fuel supply is stable, so the summer is off to a good start. We offer our customers a unique route network throughout Europe and the world, with more than 300 destinations in more than 100 countries. Whether it is a city trip or a beach holiday, a short or long-haul flight, whether to Seville or Los Angeles – we have the right destination and the ideal flight connection for every customer.
But what if the crisis in the Middle East led to further flight cancellations?
Like I said, we don’t foresee that. If unexpected fuel shortages occur and flights are canceled as a result, the customer has the choice: either be rebooked or receive a full refund of the ticket price as a ‘money-back’ guarantee – it’s that simple. These cancellation and rebooking rules apply without limitation to all airlines of the Group.
“Our airlines are ready for the summer, our network is strong – our customers can rely on us.”
Dieter Vranckx
So the message to all customers is: book your trips with confidence?
Yes – and I would like to emphasize again: if a flight is canceled, the full ticket price will be immediately refunded at the customer’s request. We are not the only ones who conclude that customers can look forward to an extensive flight offering this summer: our partner airlines also plan to operate an almost complete flight schedule during this year’s high season. Precisely because the demand for air travel around the world remains consistently strong. People want to fly, discover new countries and cultures, visit family and friends, meet business partners or simply enjoy their well-deserved vacation. I say this with full conviction: our airlines are ready for the summer, our network is strong – our customers can rely on us.
