Germanwings expands UK route network

With owner Lufthansa backing out of the direct UK market with its sale of bmi, Germanwings, its low-cost subsidiary, is to further strengthen its British operation.

The airline will launch new routes from Heathrow to Stuttgart from February and between Manchester and Stuttgart from July replacing Lufthansa.  The carrier will offer 21 flights a week out of Heathrow and five weekdaily flights from Manchester to Stuttgart.  At Heathrow it will compete with British Airways.

The news affirms the carrier's commitment to the UK and Irish markets.  Germanwings already serves Stansted (Cologne, Hannover. Stuttgart and Vienna), Manchester (Cologne) and Edinburgh (Cologne) all year round, and Dublin during the summer months.  It says it is reviewing additional options within the market for future opportunities.

Germanwings is essentially a low-cost airline but does guarantee flight connections at its main airports.  Passengers can reserve a seat during or after the booking process (up to three hours before departure) for €8/£7 and “Best Seat” is offered with more legroom for 15€/£13 in rows 1-10.  The airline currently operates 30 Airbus 319s with an outstanding order for eight. www.germanwings.com

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