Lufthansais Germany’s flagship airline and one of the biggest and well-known airlines in Europe. It also has a rich history of adapting to the evolving needs of its passengers since its foundation over 70 years ago. We can find many corporations and business flyers among its passengers, including more than 36.6 million frequent-flyer members worldwide, thanks to the loyalty program Miles & More.
However, to meet the needs of the most discerning and high-end customers, the airline introduced the Lufthansa Private Jet service in 2005, which stands out as a notable example of its commitment to personalized air travel. Our article explores the origins, operations, and eventual discontinuation of Lufthansa’s private jet services, and explores alternative solutions now available for discerning travelers.
The evolution of Lufthansa’s Private Jet service
In the early 2000s, the demand for private air travel solutions was on the rise. Recognizing this trend, Lufthansa announced its Private Jet service in 2005, aiming to provide passengers with the flexibility and exclusivity of private aviation. Lufthansa started collaboration with NetJets Europe in 2007 to offer on-demand flights tailored to individual preferences on some smaller jets that were not part of Lufthansa’s commercial fleet.
By 2008, Lufthansa took a strategic step by acquiring its own fleet of private jets. Lufthansa ordered two Cessna Citation CJ3s and two Citation XLS+ Jets for its Private Jet service and then decided to convert two of its Bombardier CRJ200s into business jets known as Challenger 850s, with cabins configured to accommodate four to 12 seats. Additionally, the company has three Citation CJ1+s, which are used for flight training purposes but could also be utilized for transportation as the company’s light private jets.
This move enabled the airline to exert greater control over its operations and offer a seamless experience that aligned with its renowned standards of service. The fleet comprised various aircraft models, each selected to cater to different travel needs:
- Cessna Citation CJ1+: A light jet ideal for short-haul trips within Europe.
- Cessna Citation CJ3: Offering a balance between range and comfort for regional travel.
- Cessna Citation XLS+: A midsize jet suitable for medium-haul flights, providing enhanced cabin space.
- Bombardier Challenger 850 (CRJ200 VIP configuration): The largest in the fleet, designed for longer journeys with spacious interiors.
These aircraft were meticulously outfitted to mirror the luxury and comfort synonymous with Lufthansa’s First Class, ensuring a consistent premium experience across both commercial and private flights. These jets were used for point-to-point flights to various destinations across Europe and Russia, including smaller airports near industrial areas that were not served by major airlines.
Dr. Karsten Benz, vice president of Lufthansa Sales & Services Europe, upon delivery of Cessna Private Jets back in 2009, said:
”We are the only airline in the world to operate a successful private jet service alongside our portfolio of scheduled flights offering peerless flexibility and exclusivity. With our new Cessna airplanes, we are once again setting the pace within one of aviation’s niche growth areas in Europe.”
The growth had been evident for over a decade, until the aviation sector encountered severe restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and again in 2022, following the war in Ukraine, which led to a reciprocal ban on all commercial and private aviation flights between the EU and Russia. Prior to 2022, private jet flights were extremely common between Russia and Germany.
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Clientele and service dynamics
Lufthansa Private Jet services attracted a diverse clientele, including business executives, government officials, and affluent individuals seeking privacy and flexibility. The service was particularly appealing to those requiring direct connections to destinations beyond Lufthansa’s scheduled network or those with time-sensitive itineraries. Another important feature was the launch of the “phone and fly” service that enabled travelers to arrange a flight in a few hours via a simple phone call.
Interestingly, according to Private Jet Comparisons, approximately 70% of private jet flights were point-to-point, indicating a preference for direct routes tailored to specific needs. The remaining 30% functioned as feeder flights, connecting passengers to Lufthansa’s long-haul services at major hubs like Frankfurt and Munich.
Discontinuation of the service
Despite its success in offering a niche product, Lufthansa decided to discontinue its Private Jet services in April 2022. The airline cited the segment’s limited economic viability and its very small niche status as primary reasons for this decision. A spokesperson for Lufthansa stated in Forbes in 2022:
“Economically, the segment was too small. It was a niche for Lufthansa.”
This decision reflected a broader trend in the aviation industry, where several major airlines reevaluated their involvement in the private aviation sector. Factors such as operational complexities, market size, strategic focus, and external factors, including geopolitics, influenced these decisions.
Alternative charter solutions
Photo: Artur Buibarov | Shutterstock
With the cessation of Lufthansa’s private jet services, clients seeking similar private air travel solutions can consider alternatives within the Lufthansa Group, notably through Eurowings and SWISS, or contact NetJets Europe directly.
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Eurowings charter services
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
Eurowings, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, offers comprehensive charter flight services tailored to various needs:
- Flexibility: Clients can select individual destinations and preferred flight times, ensuring a personalized travel experience.
- Cost efficiency: For groups such as travel parties, sports teams, or corporate staff, chartering can be more economical than booking scheduled flights.
- Customized onboard experience: Eurowings provides options for personalized seating arrangements, catering requests, and branding opportunities to align with corporate identities or personal preferences.
The Eurowings fleet available for charter includes:
- Airbus A319: Accommodates up to 150 passengers, suitable for accessing smaller airports.
- Airbus A321: Offers 226 seats, ideal for short to medium-haul routes.
- Airbus A321neo: Features modern engine technology with enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced noise emissions, also seating 232 passengers.
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SWISS “Rent a Plane” service
Photo: Kevin Hackert | Shutterstock
SWISS, another member of the Lufthansa Group, offers the “Rent a Plane” service in collaboration with its partner, Edelweiss Air. This service allows clients to charter an entire aircraft, providing:
- Direct and personalized flights: Travelers can fly directly to their chosen destinations at preferred times, mirroring the convenience of private jet travel.
- Customized onboard services: The dedicated team assists in creating onboard experiences, including catering and other amenities, to meet specific requirements.
The SWISS fleet available for charter encompasses a range of aircraft to suit various group sizes and travel distances. For example, renting a smaller Airbus A220 from this company is possible, which is more suitable for smaller groups. For more information or to request a charter, clients can visit the SWISS charter page.
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Typical clients and pricing
Charter services like those offered by Eurowings and SWISS cater to a diverse clientele, including:
- Corporate groups: Companies organizing incentive trips, conferences, corporate parties or product launches.
- Sports teams: Professional and amateur teams traveling to competitions or training camps.
- Tour operators: Organizing group travel packages to specific destinations.
- Government delegations: Officials attending international events or diplomatic missions.
Pricing for charter services varies significantly based on several key factors, including the type of aircraft, route length, airport fees, crew costs, and the level of customization onboard. While Eurowings and SWISS do not publish fixed pricing on their websites due to the bespoke nature of charter services and protection of customers’ privacy, industry estimates provide a helpful benchmark. The estimated costs are as follows:
-
Chartering an
Airbus A320series: For a short-haul charter flight within Europe using an Airbus A319 (capacity up to 150 passengers), pricing typically starts at €11,000 per hour and reaches around €25,000 – €35,000 per leg, depending on route and availability. For longer routes or larger aircraft, such as the A321neo, prices can exceed €50,000 per flight. When divided among passengers, this often results in competitive per-seat pricing compared to business class fares on scheduled flights.
For comparison, private jet charter costs in Europe for light jets, such as the Cessna Citation CJ3, often start at €3,000 to €5,000 per flight hour, whereas midsize jets like the Challenger 300 can range between €6,000 and €9,000 per hour. While these offer more privacy and flexibility for smaller groups (typically 6–12 passengers), larger commercial charters from Eurowings or SWISS provide better value for large groups or corporate events.
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Advantages of group chartering over private jet services
While Lufthansa’s Private Jet service was geared toward high-net-worth individuals and executives who needed ultimate privacy and flexibility, Eurowings and SWISS charter options serve a broader market segment. Some key benefits of modern chartering within the Lufthansa Group include:
- Cost-effectiveness for groups: Rather than paying for multiple business-class tickets, organizations can charter an entire aircraft for their group, often saving costs while enhancing the travel experience.
- Destination flexibility: Charters can reach secondary airports and remote regions that are not served by scheduled flights.
- Corporate branding: From onboard catering to headrest covers and aircraft livery decals, charter customers can customize the flight to reflect their brand identity.
- Time-saving: Direct point-to-point travel reduces layovers, while dedicated check-ins and boarding lanes at major airports minimize waiting times.
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The legacy of Lufthansa Private Jet service
Although Lufthansa Private Jet ceased operations in 2022, its legacy continues to influence the Group’s charter philosophy. The program demonstrated that premium clients were willing to pay for tailored, unique experiences when they aligned with Lufthansa’s broader service quality standards. The infrastructure, high-standard customer service training, and operational insights gained during those years now feed into the SWISS and Eurowings charter programs.
Additionally, Lufthansa’s early entrance into the private jet market positioned it among the few global carriers to test a fully integrated private aviation offering. While it ultimately proved unsustainable as a standalone business unit, the initiative demonstrated Lufthansa’s willingness to innovate and adapt to niche markets.
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Can Lufthansa Group Keep Its Success Going In 2025?
In Europe, there is no questioning that Lufthansa Group is currently on top of the market. The massive international conglomerate recently posted its highest-ever revenue and a profit of $1.7 billion in 2024. By expanding its route offerings, improving its cabin products, refining its cost structures, and targeting new customer demographics, Lufthansa Group has been able to push ahead of many of its competitors. Furthermore, with investors expecting massive growth for the German economy in the coming months amid a push to increase spending on defense and industrial growth, there is a strong chance that the airline will be able to keep its success going. Business travel typically comes along with economic growth, and business travelers are the primary people who help keep Lufthansa in the green. But what do you think? Can Lufthansa Group repeat its success in 2025?
A new era in charter travel?
As travel demands shift in the post-pandemic world, group and corporate travel are being reimagined. Charter flights, once primarily seen as the domain of VIPs and rock stars, are now accessible tools for companies, sports clubs, government delegations, and tour operators seeking efficient and tailored travel options.
With Lufthansa’s Private Jet service now a chapter in aviation history, its Group members are still carrying forward the torch, offering scalable charter solutions that merge flexibility with affordability. Whether it’s a business trip across Europe or a tailored escape trip for a special occasion, these charter options ensure passengers continue to fly on their terms – safely, comfortably, and efficiently, under the wing of the world’s famous aviation brand.
