[Update, 30 January] A Lufthansa representative informed BTN Europe that this programme is operating on a one-year trial basis
Lufthansa Group has launched a one-year pilot programme offering specialist fares for employees of academic institutions travelling for work .
The new fares include added flexibility and are available from all of Lufthansa Group’s airlines including Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Austrian Airlines, SWISS and Eurowings.
The move comes after lobbying from academic travel specialist TMC DGI, formerly known as Diversity Travel before last year’s rebrand. A spokesperson for the TMC confirmed to BTN Europe that the fares would be available to all eligible travellers subject to "specific criteria" agreed with Lufthansa Group.
DGI said the new fares helped to address “longstanding challenges faced by academics booking complex, grant-funded travel”.
Chris Airey, CEO of DGI, said: “As the specialist TMC for academia, it is essential that we continue to deliver value and flexibility for our clients.
“From the first day of this business, we have been securing specialist fares with airlines and that campaigning and lobbying continues today. Having Lufthansa Group on board adds a massive amount to what we will be able to offer clients.”
A Lufthansa Group spokesperson added: “DGI have been the driving force behind the development and launch of our specialist academic contract across the Lufthansa Group.”