In recent times, Lufthansa has transformed itself into a true international carrier. No longer does its main market lie in Germany.
The latest figures show that Lufthansa has become one of the world’s most cosmopolitan airlines, with 65% of its passengers now being generated from outside Germany. This emphasis on carrying passengers from other nations is one reason why Lufthansa is now catering for them – quite literally. Last year the airline commissioned well-known star chefs to devise local dishes for flights originating in Japan and India, with special emphasis for menus in first and business class. And now the service has been extended to include flights heading to Europe from Shanghai and Singapore.
Chef Ye Wen Chian at Shanghai’s Pudong Shangri-La is an expert in Szechuan, Shanghai and Cantonese cuisine. For first class passengers he has created a choice of five starters and four main courses including crabs in chilli sauce with Chinese vegetables and fried rice. As a starter, those seated in business class will be served items like steamed duck in a soya marinade with asparagus and, as a main course roast beef Asian-style with black pepper sauce, Chinese broccoli, lotus roots and fried rice.
Chef Kristoffer Luczak is from Singapore’s Raffles Hotel. He has devised menus with a mixture of Asian and European influences. First class passengers flying out of Singapore can look forward to marinated lobster medallions and shrimp on endive salad or baked cod filet refined with honey. In business class, grilled fillet of beef Szechuan-style will be served with pak choi and smoked tuna with mango salsa on banana leaves.
Lufthansa says the food offerings are designed to satisfy the wishes and needs of its international guests. The offer is concentrated at passengers flying with the airline from their home country.
The airline’s success in wooing foreign travelers is down to the range of connecting possibilities at its Frankfurt and Munich hubs, plus membership of Star Alliance which has increased feeder passengers from other member carriers.