Germany’s market has grown strongly since the demise of Air Berlin, but overcapacity and structural issues present ongoing challenges as the busy summer season approaches.
American Airlines is reducing its services to Asia - including the removal of Chicago-Shanghai - but the carrier plans to expand its European network next summer with three new destinations.
European low-cost giant easyJet has benefitted from the demise of Monarch and Air Berlin, with the airline’s capacity set to grow at a double-digit rate this summer.
LaudaMotion, the new Austrian airline headed by Formula One champion Niki Lauda and backed by Ryanair, is to launch a Berlin Tegel base as competition in Germany’s capital intensifies.
EasyJet has secured the green light to take over part of failed Air Berlin’s operations at Berlin Tegel airport after the European Commission ruled it would not adversely affect competition in the EU.
Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair has applied for slots to base nine aircraft at Berlin Tegel, a move which would double its number of planes in Germany’s capital city.
The strong are getting stronger and the weak are getting weaker, according to outgoing easyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall, who said the collapse of several rival airlines has boosted growth at the low-cost carrier.
British low-cost carrier easyJet has agreed to acquire parts of Air Berlin for €40m on the same day as the insolvent German airline operated its final flight.