Lufthansa’s green fares soar: Asia to Europe trial

Thursday, November 30, 2023

The Lufthansa Group is expanding its Green Fares initiative to include long-haul flights, with an initial testing phase covering twelve selected routes starting from November 30. This extension encompasses key connections between Lufthansa Group hubs and various global destinations. The Green Fares concept, which has already gained traction for short-haul flights in Europe and to North Africa, is designed to cater to diverse traveler preferences, offering simple, easy-to-book, and individualized options for more sustainable flying.

The twelve selected routes for the long-haul Green Fares include flights from Bangkok to Vienna, Singapore and Hong Kong to London, and connections between Lufthansa Group hubs like Frankfurt to Bengaluru, Brussels to Kinshasa, and Zurich to Los Angeles. The initiative also covers routes with connecting flights, such as from London to Hong Kong or Paris to Bangkok via the airlines’ hubs.

Christina Foerster, Member of the Lufthansa Group Executive Board responsible for Brand & Sustainability, emphasizes the growing demand for sustainable travel options, stating that the Green Fares test on long-haul flights will provide valuable insights for the ongoing development of more sustainable travel offerings.

Harry Hohmeister, Member of the Lufthansa Group Executive Board responsible for Global Markets & Network, lauds the expansion of innovative services for sustainable flying. He notes that the move aligns with the company’s multi-hub and multi-brand strategy.

Since the introduction of Green Fares for shorter routes, over 500,000 passengers have opted for this environmentally conscious option. The Green Fares initiative involves offsetting individual, flight-related CO2 emissions through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and contributions to high-quality climate protection projects. SAF reduces 10% of CO2 emissions, while the remaining 90% is offset through climate protection projects. The Lufthansa Group ensures the timely incorporation of the necessary SAF into airport infrastructure within six months of purchase.

The CO2 compensation portfolio of the Lufthansa Group, comprising 15 projects, continues to evolve. Recent additions include technology-based projects for long-term CO2 binding. The group collaborates with certified providers such as myclimate, Climate Austria, SQUAKE, and ClimatePartner, with all projects meeting the highest standards.

The selected long-haul test routes involve Lufthansa Group airlines, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and SWISS. These routes include connections like Bangkok to Vienna, Frankfurt to Miami, and Paris to Bangkok.

In pursuit of ambitious sustainability goals, the Lufthansa Group aims for a neutral CO2 balance by 2050, with a 2030 target of halving net CO2 emissions compared to 2019. The group focuses on fleet modernization, SAF utilization, flight operations optimization, and offering sustainable options for private and corporate travelers. The commitment to sustainability has earned the Lufthansa Group positive ratings from independent organizations, surpassing industry averages.

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