CHENNAI: German carrier Lufthansa is set to strengthen its brand presence in India with a series of initiatives, including those for start-ups and small businesses, even as it simultaneously focuses on digitisation and innovation to power its operations this year.
Speaking to Express, Lufthansa Wolfgang Will, Senior Director, South Asia, Lufthansa Group pointed out that the airline has embarked on widescale digitisation to enhance customer experience and increase operational efficiencies. “We are looking into ways of enhancing passenger experience at all levels, be it on our website, new functionalities or even ease in airport check-ins.
For example, in Germany, our airport check-in is completely automatic, even if you have luggage,” Will said. In parallel, pricing is also in the process of becoming more dynamic, with innovations like the introduction of a premium economy class.
In terms of operational efficiencies, the carrier is enhancing its IT solutions and infrastructure, “because it is especially important in the airline business, we generally have very low margins”. The company is investing heavily in these processes, he added, while declining to reveal exact numbers.
The company is also focusing on enhancing its brand position in the Indian market, through initiatives like the ‘Runway to Success’ programme for entrepreneurs it is conducting currently. Mentorship camps are being organised as part of the programme in Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Hubli and Hyderabad, with a final Startup Expo in Delhi on August 23, 2017.
“India has a very young population, is now the second largest start-up hub in the world, and as an airline which has made India a home for the past 50 years, we want to be involved,” said Will. He added that promoting entrepreneurs also results in benefits for airlines.
