+++ 16.04.2021: Eurowings Discover will be flying to destinations in Europe from winter onwards +++

Preparations at Eurowings Discover have been in full swing for months. Eurowings Discover, that’s the brand name towards the customer, to tie in from the beginning with the great visibility of Eurowings as a strong brand known in the tourism market. Internally, the start-up airline sees itself “simply” as Discover.

The approval process for the issuance of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the German Federal Aviation Authority is currently ongoing. In addition, the ongoing impact of the pandemic is weighing on demand growth, particularly for long-haul tourist destinations. Despite these challenges, Discover still plans to gradually launch its long-haul operations in summer 2021.

Additionally, Discover has been closely studying the possibility of adding short- and medium-haul routes to its portfolio in recent months. Edelweiss, which has been successfully shaping its flight program for years with long-haul tourist destinations and sun destinations on short- and medium-haul routes, serves as a role model. In order to strengthen its position in the tourism market and offer tour operators an attractive range of services, Discover is now also planning to commence flight operations on short- and medium-haul routes in winter 2021.

What does this mean for Eurowings?

The Lufthansa Group has repeatedly emphasized that it intends to significantly expand its involvement in the tourist segment. While Eurowings Discover positions itself as a tourist hub airline from Frankfurt, Eurowings specializes in low-cost direct flights within Europe beyond the hubs within the Lufthansa Group as Germany’s leading vacation airline. As part of the brand family, Eurowings Discover complements and strengthens the Lufthansa Group’s tourism portfolio. The airline will take off exclusively from the Frankfurt hub in 2021 and will benefit from the Lufthansa Group’s extensive feeder network.

This will increase Discover’s efficiency in the long term and expand the Lufthansa Group’s existing flight offering. Initially, three aircraft from the Lufthansa Group’s existing fleet will be deployed, operating exclusively from Frankfurt. Tourist winter destinations such as the Canary Islands are planned. The recruiting process for Discover’s short- and medium-haul crews – cabin and cockpit – will be initiated soon. As in the past, internal applications from all Lufthansa Group companies will be given priority.