Air Transport

Star Alliance carrier Lufthansa is likely to include New York JFK, Tokyo Narita, Shanghai and Johannesburg in its initial Airbus A380 route network.

A source familiar with the situation says cabin crew have been informed that Lufthansa - which will introduce A380 services in summer 2010 - will fly to these four destinations.

Lufthansa declines to confirm that the type will be flown on the routes identified.

The carrier, which has yet to detail the configuration of the aircraft, had already indicated that JFK was a strong candidate for the first route from its Frankfurt hub.

Lufthansa's Star Alliance partners Shanghai Airlines, ANA and South African Airways have bases at Shanghai, Tokyo and Johannesburg respectively.

Airports Company South Africa says it is yet to hear from Lufthansa on a switch to the A380, but states that Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport is "fully compliant with the requirements of the A380".

Lufthansa's first A380 is nearing completion in Toulouse. The carrier, which has 15 on order, has drawn up a list of 20 potential destinations for the type.