Eurowings’ CEO, Jens Bischof, has stated that the airline expects to have a load factor of approximately 97% on its initial flights to Dubai from Berlin and Stuttgart, which are set to commence in October. The airline’s first-mover advantage on the new non-stop services is expected to be a key factor in achieving this high level of demand. Advanced bookings for November and December are also looking very strong. Eurowings will operate non-stop flights four times a week from Stuttgart Airport and Berlin Brandenburg airport to Dubai International Airport, using an Airbus A320 Neo aircraft. Despite the typical time it takes for a new route to become profitable, Bischof is confident that Eurowings will reach its economic targets early due to the high demand for the new service. Eurowings currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of A319s and the classic and Neo versions of the A320 and A321 single-aisle jets, flying to over 100 destinations in 50 countries.It operates from five bases in Germany, including Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Berlin. Additionally, it has five bases in Europe, which include Mallorca, Prague, Stockholm, Salzburg, and Gratz in Austria.

Emirates, the world’s largest long-haul airline, has expressed its ongoing interest in serving Berlin. However, this would require an expanded air service agreement between the UAE and Germany. In pursuit of this, the airline’s executives recently met with Berlin’s mayor, Franziska Giffey, to discuss the potential for increased international long-haul connectivity in the city.

Eurowings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, has announced its decision to launch a Berlin-Dubai service. This move was motivated by the introduction of the A320 Neo aircraft to its fleet, which offers an extended range. The airline recognizes the growing demand for non-stop services among both leisure and business travelers, particularly in light of the operational challenges faced by the aviation industry during the pandemic.

According to Mr. Bischof, the CEO of Eurowings, the decision to offer non-stop flights is driven by the value customers place on direct routes and their price sensitivity. It is not a defensive strategy against Emirates but rather a utilization of the airline’s new technology and advanced aircraft capabilities to serve an underserved market. The introduction of the A320 Neo has made this possible.

Lufthansa, Eurowings’ parent company, already operates flights to Dubai from its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, as well as through its subsidiary Swiss via Zurich.The airline’s focus is not on providing full-service, but rather on offering competitive prices and convenient departure and arrival times for its two non-stop routes. According to Mr. Bischof, one-way tickets on Economy class from Dubai to Stuttgart start at Dh719 ($196), while tickets to Berlin start at Dh879. The airline is also considering expanding its operations in the Middle East, with Cairo being one potential destination. The introduction of the A320 Neo to Eurowings’ fleet will enable more efficient operations in Egypt. Although no specific date has been set, the airline is in the planning stage for this expansion. Currently, Eurowings serves Marsa Alam and Hurghada in Egypt, as well as Erbil in Iraq. The success of the Dubai service could also lead to further growth in the Gulf region, although there are no concrete plans at the moment. The outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war has affected the airline’s plans to fly to Tel Aviv from Dusseldorf during the winter season. Mr. Bischof expressed disappointment over this delay and the airline is closely monitoring the situation in cities like Tel Aviv.