Lufthansa to expand its services in India

Pune: German aviation group Lufthansa is set to expand its Indian operations and is looking to offer executive jet services to its business and first class passengers here, along lines similar to that in Europe. It recently launched the first, nonstop, all-business class, six-day a week service between Munich and Pune

The European aviation giant is also expanding its catering and cargo services in the country, apart from adding more flights out of Mumbai and Kolkata. It is looking for an Indian aviation partner for its private jet service.

''The Lufthansa private jet service is an extension we offer to our business and first class passengers. It allows them to reach the thousands of smaller European airports where wide-body aircraft cannot,'' Lufthansa German Airlines' director, south Asia, Werner Heesen, said.

The Indian market is a profitable one for Lufthansa, according to Heesen, who said that the country generates almost 23 % of its Asia Pacific revenues, behind Japan but ahead of China.