DEBONAIR is planning a closer working relationship with Lufthansa, after leasing aircraft to the German carrier (Travel Weekly December 2 1998).
Deputy chief executive and chief operating officer Michael Harrington said various deals were under consideration, including codesharing, franchise arrangements and buying seats on Lufthansa.
“Our relationship will develop further, but we want to keep our identity and enjoy mutual benefits,” he said.
From March 27, Debonair will lease five BAe 146s to Lufthansa for its Munich-based CityLine operation under a two-year contract.
Aircraft will be in Lufthansa colours, operating with Debonair staff in the German carrier’s uniforms.
Harrington said two of the 100-seaters will be used by Lufthansa CityLine for its double-daily Munich flights to Manchester and Birmingham.
The low-cost carrier is also forging a partnership with Gatwick-based AB Airlines, which will lead to an expanded European network. Debonair is using an AB Airlines Boeing 737 to serve Barcelona, but a second is set to join its fleet, to allow it to add destinations from Gatwick.
These are expected to be cities it currently serves from its Luton base, including Rome, Madrid and Monchengladbach in Germnay.
The B737 is painted in new one-off Debonair colours, but existing BAe 146s will remain in current livery.