Lufthansa offers a limousine service to its most premium passengers, including those flying in first class, as well as HON Circle members. This is offered in select circumstances, like when departing from the Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt.
There’s an update when it comes to this. In the coming months we can expect some changes to the cars used for this service, so let’s go over the details…
Lufthansa & Porsche end longstanding partnership
For a couple of decades now, Lufthansa and Porsche have had a partnership for the German flag carrier’s chauffeur service. Porsche is one of Germany’s most premium car brands, so this seemed like a logical collaboration.
However, the two companies have reportedly made the decision to part ways. The current contract for limousine service is expiring at the end of 2024, and won’t be renewed. Lufthansa is now putting out a tender for a new provider for this service.
It’s not entirely clear why this collaboration is ending, other than it presumably no longer being mutually beneficial. Does Lufthansa feel like Porsche is charging too much? Does Porsche feel there’s no marketing upside anymore, as it’s largely the same guests using the service over and over?
This shouldn’t be too much of a loss
The reality is that even when Lufthansa and Porsche had a partnership, many limousine service passengers haven’t actually been finding themselves in Porsche vehicles. That’s because Lufthansa uses a mix of Porsche vehicles (sedans and SUVs), plus Volkswagen vans.
Generally when being driven to a long haul aircraft, you’ll find that you’re in a Volkswagen van, since there are multiple premium passengers utilizing this service. So it’s not like a Porsche was a guarantee before.
Anyway, I’m curious to see which car company Lufthansa partners with next. I would have to imagine that we’ll see a BMW or Mercedes-Benz collaboration, given that they’re probably the next most premium car brands. Lufthansa has had a partnership with Mercedes in the past as well, as the vans used to be from Mercedes rather than Volkswagen. Or who knows, maybe Lufthansa will go all-in on the Volkswagen partnership. 😉
Lufthansa Group carrier SWISS recently rolled out a new collaboration with BMW, whereby a fleet of BMW i7s are being used for the carrier’s premium car service at its hubs in Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA). Perhaps a similar partnership will be introduced in Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC).
Bottom line
By the end of 2024, Porsche will no longer be providing limousine service on behalf of Lufthansa, for first class and HON Circle passengers. This partnership has been in place for decades, so it’s interesting to see it ending. Lufthansa is now seeking a new partner for this service, so I guess we’ll find out what the plans are soon enough.
What do you make of Lufthansa and Porsche cutting ties?
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