MUNICH, Germany -- Lufthansa is elevating its premium travel experience with the introduction of the Allegris First Class cabin, featuring a completely redesigned cabin interior for long-haul flights.
While the only Allegris-equipped route to Asia currently serves Shanghai, the German airline has expressed a strong commitment to expanding its premium offerings to Incheon in the near future.
During a special event at Munich International Airport on Wednesday, where Lufthansa showcased its Allegris First Class cabin to private members and the media, Lufthansa Airlines CEO Jens Ritter outlined the carrier’s ambitious vision.
"Even during challenging times like the pandemic, we never stopped investing in our customer journey. With Allegris, we are fully prepared," Ritter said. "Since its launch last May, Allegris has served half a million travelers, with 90 percent reporting satisfaction and saying they would book again."
Promising enhanced quality and efficiency while ensuring a seamless premium travel experience, Ritter emphasized that the January launch of the Allegris First Class cabin aims to deliver "exclusivity" and "excellence" to travelers.
According to Lufthansa, the Allegris First Class cabin is available for booking on Munich routes to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru, starting March 30.
Chief Customer Officer Heiko Reitz hinted at the airline’s future expansion into Korea.
"We are very much looking forward to introducing Allegris service to Korea in the coming years, although the exact timeline has yet to be finalized," Reitz said.
He also highlighted Lufthansa Group’s growing commitment to the Korean market, referencing last year’s launch of direct Seoul-Zurich flights via Swiss, a Lufthansa Group airline. Lufthansa sees strong growth potential in Korea’s business travel sector and aims to strengthen connections with Korean passengers, he added.
Stepping into the cabin, each suite offers a nearly one-meter-wide seat that can be adjusted for heating or cooling. The private compartments feature ceiling-high walls, a lockable door, a personal wardrobe and a 43-inch entertainment screen with wireless headphones.
The more luxurious Suite Plus provides a double suite with two wide seats that can convert into a spacious double bed, providing a private-room experience in the sky.
"After the pandemic, we've observed a rise in individual leisure travelers seeking premium experiences, in addition to our strong base of business travelers. Our Allegris offers a range of seating options for all, with a sharp focus on 'individuality,'” Reitz explained.
As part of its "Future Onboard Experience" project, Lufthansa is revamping its long-haul services, from in-flight meals to bedding and amenity kits. These upgrades are set to coincide with its 100th anniversary celebration in April next year.
By Kim Hae-yeon (hykim@heraldcorp.com)
