Lufthansa Groupʻs Canadian presence is growing in leaps and bounds, as Christina Meakin, Director of Sales, Canada, for Lufthansa Group, tells Travelweek in this edition of Take 5.

1. How is the Lufthansa Group Canadian network growing?

“During Lufthansa Group’s 2025 summer schedule, we added two new direct routes to our network. Just recently, the inaugural Edelweiss flight from Halifax to Zurich took place. In April, we welcomed the Discover inaugural flight in Calgary with CEO Bernd Bauer. Both routes bolster the already rich transatlantic connectivity the Lufthansa Group offers from Canada.

“The Lufthansa Group carriers are flying from five Canadian gateways this summer season, which are served with 87 weekly flights from Canada to our various hubs in Europe.

“Lufthansa Group’s presence is strongest in Montreal, from where we operate with 26 weekly flights to all four of our major hubs in Europe: Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich and Vienna.

“Toronto, Canada’s main commercial and financial centre with Pearson International Airport (YYZ), serves as another major hub for Lufthansa Group, with Lufthansa Airlines operating daily flights from both Frankfurt and Munich, while Swiss Airlines provides five weekly flights from Zurich. This results in a total of 19 weekly connections linking Toronto with our European hubs.

“From Vancouver passengers can fly daily, directly to both our German hubs, Frankfurt and Munich as well as Zurich with Edelweiss.

“Calgary has already been connected to Frankfurt to where Discover Airlines flies now seven times weekly, complimented by an additional three new weekly direct flights to Munich. Moreover, Edelweiss operates three weekly flights to Zurich which results in 13 weekly Lufthansa Group connections.

“The beautiful East Coast destination and gateway of Halifax is served five times a week from Frankfurt, operated by Discover Airlines. And now Canadians can now fly directly to Zurich twice weekly with Edelweiss Air, adding to the existing service provided by Discover Airlines.

“Our strong Canadian route network showcases how Lufthansa Group is making Europe more accessible than ever for Canadians. This is a great success as we will celebrate our 70th anniversary of LHA flights to Montreal (1956) next year – another milestone that emphasizes the importance of the route and how long the Lufthansa Group has already supported the Canadian transatlantic partnership.

“We also take pride in our Atlantic Joint Venture, which brings together seven of the worldʻs leading airlines: Air Canada, United Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. Lufthansa Group carriers’ operations in Canada are bolstered by Air Canada’s connectivity nation wide and into the U.S., making the collaboration a success story for our customers and the travel industry.

“This strategic alliance delivers unparalleled flexibility and an extensive selection of route combinations connecting Europe and North America.

“Since 2010, our collaboration has strengthened transatlantic connectivity, providing travellers with enhanced flexibility, expanded destination options, and greater lounge access across our combined network.”

2. In addition to the route expansion, what are some other major investments for the Lufthansa Group at the moment?

“Lufthansa Group is investing in modernizing its fleet. SWISS, as well as Edelweiss Air, added both new A350s to their respective fleet this year, which will enhance the passenger experience, as well as it makes operations more sustainable, reducing emissions by around 15-35% compared to their predecessor models, depending on the type, configuration and route length, per flight.

“Furthermore, Lufthansa and SWISS both updated their cabins with a new premium product, thus enhancing the customer experience.

“Another great undertaking is currently Lufthansa Technik’s new MRO facility and office in Calgary. Last week, on the June 25, Lufthansa Technik, joined by many of the region’s important aviation industry stakeholders, celebrated the groundbreaking of their facility. With a LEAP engine maintenance agreement with WestJet, Lufthansa Technik is strongly investing in brand-new Mobile Engine Services station in Calgary, opening in 2027.”

3. What can passengers expect with the developments within the premium segments?

“Allegris, Lufthansa Airlines new premium cabin in all classes, flew its inaugural flight to Vancouver on May 1, 2024. The Munich-Toronto route was flying with Allegris the following day.

“Lufthansa is currently ramping up its ʻAllegrisʻ flights in North America, with U.S. gateways such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego and Charlotte. Additional cities across the region, including Canada will be served with the new onboard product next year.

“Passengers can already expect a high quality of service and great food & beverage options on both airlines with culinary highlights from both countries.

“Moreover, Lufthansa First Class continues to feature its signature caviar service alongside the popular Avionic Aperitif, which now offers guests both the original and a new alcohol-free Avionic Zero edition.

“On the digital front, the Lufthansa App continues to enhance the travel experience across all classes with constant improvements that streamline every aspect of the passenger journey. Recently recognized as the best airline app, it features innovative digital functions and services designed to make travel more convenient and enjoyable.

“Additionally, customers can look forward to an exciting new enhancement: complimentary messaging will be available on all Lufthansa Airlines long-haul flights for every passenger.”

4. Why should Canadians fly with Lufthansa Group to Europe this summer?

“Our main hub in Frankfurt stands out, serving as a major aviation hub connecting travellers seamlessly throughout Europe and beyond, while Munich provides gateway access to the stunning Bavarian Alps and traditional German culture.

“Switzerland captivates visitors with Zurichʻs perfect blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural landscapes. The countryʻs stunning mountains and lakes, which are easily accessible with our intermodal transportation system, make exploring effortless, whether youʻre seeking alpine adventures or lakeside relaxation.

“Vienna has ranked as the worldʻs most livable city many times, earning recognition for its exceptional quality of life. The Austrian capital offers an irresistible combination of imperial architecture, world-class museums, vibrant café culture, and musical heritage that make it a cultural jewel of Central Europe.

“These Lufthansa Group hubs offer a gateway to hundreds of destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Together with Lufthansa’s partners, Canadian travellers can reach every destination on the globe.”

5. What are the biggest driving factors for Lufthansa Group in Canada?

“Canada, with destinations like Calgary, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, are major economic and cultural centres and expanding business as well as leisure opportunities between Europe and North America, expansion are key drivers for the Lufthansa Group’s expansion in Canada.

“Looking closer at the industries garnering interest for Europeans are Canadaʻs thriving technology and AI sectors, along with its dynamic real estate markets, creating robust business travel demand and attracting high-value passengers who prefer premium airline services, on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Another highlight that is expected to increase travel demand is the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With tournaments scheduled in Toronto and Vancouver, the Canadian market again presents significant potential. Given Germanyʻs strong soccer culture and fan base, Lufthansa expects excellent seat load factors as German and European supporters will travel to witness the iconic matches.”