Originally Posted by
mosburger
Air Berlin/LTU has announced DUS - PEK/PVG flights 5xweek from May 2008 for launch fares of less than 300 euros including connecting flights from all major German cities.
Another reason for AY to add a Premium Economy/WTP style product to their range and try to move up into the BA/CX/JL sphere of OW for good.
Interesting offer. Tackling just one far east destination will not probably introduce much competition for AY, but I read that they have 25 Dreamliners ordered and may (oops, using these, not so) soon be tackling many other destinations. Much can obviously be done with their 12 A330s... Düsseldorf as a hub is also interesting with dozens of more destinations in/onwards than Helsinki.
The major advantages of AY would be belonging to the OW and seamless integration with its network. AB connections may not be as easy, even though it guarantees the connections unlike the LCC PP-carriers (I would not touch with a rod...). Also the OW-perks offered to status-flyers may attract and keep customers. But definitely, something should be done to their current seating policies!