Lufthansa, Thai Expand Codeshare for Asia
Lufthansa and Thai Airways International have expanded their codeshare program to boost connectivity between Europe and Asia. This latest development will extend the program to include two cities in Vietnam—Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh (SGN)—and one city in the Philippines, Manila (MNL). All these flights will continue to be operated by Thai Airways from its hub at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), while also carrying an additional Lufthansa flight number and being marketed as part of Lufthansa’s extensive codeshare network.
The enhanced partnership further cements the long-standing relationship between the two airlines. Both carriers have been founding members of the Star Alliance since 1997, and this latest expansion is another step toward strengthening connectivity in high-demand regions. The move, effective from January 2025, is designed to deliver greater convenience for travelers, making it simpler for passengers to transition seamlessly between Europe and multiple Asian destinations on a single ticket.
Under the new codeshare arrangement, passengers flying from Bangkok to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Manila can expect a more streamlined experience. By aligning the flight operations under both airline brands, travelers benefit from easier access to ticketing, booking, and coordinated services across international journeys. The unified approach allows European passengers to connect directly with these Southeast Asian destinations without the need for multiple bookings, which significantly enhances the overall travel experience.
The expansion comes just six months after the US Department of Transportation granted permission for Lufthansa to incorporate the Thai Airways TG two-letter flight code on its transatlantic services between Germany and the United States. This regulatory approval underscores a broader strategy by Lufthansa to deepen its network and extend its reach, not just in the US and Europe, but also in Southeast Asia—a region that has witnessed a consistent rise in visitor numbers since the pandemic.
For passengers traveling to and from the Philippines, the new codeshare agreement is especially impactful. Manila Airport stands to gain a critical boost in connectivity between the Philippines and Europe. At present, only Air France operates direct flights from Manila to Europe via Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG). By adding another direct link through Thai Airways and Lufthansa, passengers will now have more competitive options, which should result in improved travel frequencies and potentially more competitive fares.
Beyond enhancing passenger convenience, the expanded codeshare agreement is likely to have broader economic benefits. European travelers will enjoy a simplified journey with fewer booking hassles, while the tourism sectors in Vietnam and the Philippines may see a surge in European arrivals. This could lead to positive ‘trickle-down’ effects for local economies, as increased visitor numbers stimulate spending in hospitality, retail, and other services. Business travelers, in particular, stand to benefit from more efficient and timely services, further encouraging stronger commercial ties between Europe and Southeast Asia.
Lufthansa Group has been actively growing its codeshare portfolio in recent years. After adding partnerships with Bangkok Airways and Air India in May 2024, the Group sought further ways to deepen its collaboration with Thai Airways. In July 2024, the Group extended its existing codeshare agreement with Thai to cover 17 additional routes through its hubs in Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC). This latest expansion represents a significant advancement in the airlines’ strategic relationship and reinforces their joint commitment to meeting growing travel demands in a competitive global marketplace.
Overall, this codeshare expansion not only simplifies travel for passengers but also sets the stage for similar collaboration efforts among other major carriers looking to enhance their networks in high-growth regions such as Southeast Asia.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Airlines