Stefan Versemann, the new general manager of Lufthansa Romania, which is among the top three foreign airlines on the Romanian market, says the main targets for 2008 are boosting market share by 3%, introducing new routes and maintaining this year's growth rate.
At the start of October, Versemann took over the reins from Stefan Lau (former head of Lufthansa operations in Romania), who had led Lufthansa to business estimated at over 30m euros this year, and a 12% market share.
"Romania is experiencing clearly visible growth. I expect us to maintain this year's growth rate over the next 2-3 years. In 2008 we have an ambitious target: a 15% share of the market," states Versemann. In October, he became both general manager of Lufthansa in Romania and Moldova, as well as manager of Swiss International Air Lines on the domestic market.
This year, Lufthansa boosted its market share by 2%, to around 12%, after the entire Romanian air market registered higher figures, of around 20% a year. For 2007, Lufthansa has budgeted a 45% increase in passenger numbers, to around 500,000 for the routes to and from Romania, as well as a 34% increase in revenues, while its domestic turnover is expected to top 30m euros.
In order to maintain the same growth rate in 2008, Lufthansa plans to introduce new routes, and increase the frequency and capacity of already established flights to and from Romania.
Versemann says domestic services will also develop because of the introduction of transatlantic flights, with the airline expected to launch flights from D?sseldorf to North America in 2008.
"We expect to register growth for flights from Romania to Canada, North America and Asia," says Versemann.
For Lufthansa as a whole, 2007 has been one of the best years in its history, according to Versemann, which shows in the new flights launched in Romania. The number of flights Lufthansa operates in Romania is now double the level registered in early 2005. The positive trend is partly due to the former manager, Stefan Lau.
The newly appointed Versemann is in charge of the ticketing office segment in Romania, while Eugen Dumitrache is in charge of airport services.
Lufthansa Romania is expected climb to the second position among the regional markets, behind Poland, but ahead of Hungary.
"All the regional markets are witnessing growth, (...), but Romania is boasting the strongest, because companies have different possibilities here in the wake of EU integration," said Versemann.
Lufthansa also provides private luxury flights in Romania, after it signed a partnership with NetJets, Warren Buffett's private flight company, at a European level.
Lufthansa
The main targets for 2008 are to boost market share by 3%, introduce new routes and maintain this year's growth rate
For 2007, the airline has budgeted a 45% increase in passenger numbers, to around 500,000, and 34% growth in revenue
The number of flights Lufthansa operates in Romania is now double the level registered in early 2005
Will climb to the second position among the regional markets, behind Poland, but ahead of Hungary
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