Lufthansa introduces new jet service, hopes to increase India market share

New Delhi, Aug 7 (IANS) To increase its market share in the India air passenger outbound travel segment, German airline major Lufthansa Tuesday launched its services on a new Boeing 747-8 intercontinental jet from Frankfurt to Delhi.

The Indian national capital is the first Asian destination to receive services on Boeing 747-8. The new aircraft has replaced the old B747-400 which were being operated on the airlines' daily direct flight between Delhi-Frankfurt.

The new aircraft offers 362 seats in all including eight first class, 92 business class and 262 economy class seats.

According to Axel Hilgers, director (South Asia) for Lufthansa, the growing importance of the Indian market was the reason for the launch of the services.

"Choosing India as launch-pad in Asia for our latest two products, the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft and new business class, underlines India's importance in our global network as well as our commitment to continue our success story here," Hilgers told IANS.

Hilgers added that the introduction of Boeing 747-8 marks the beginning of a wider overhaul of Lufthansa's fleet to India.

The airline also plans to introduce the new aircraft between Bangalore and Frankfurt in the coming months.

Currently, the airline offers 46 weekly flights from five Indian destinations in the ongoing summer schedule.