German flag carrier Lufthansa plans to launch next month a business aircraft service for its first and business class passengers who travel in Europe. The airline is believed to be linking with fractional ownership operator NetJets Europe.

The latest offering is a further attempt by Lufthansa to retain and attract high-end customers by offering a seamless personal travel experience. This strategy began in 2003 with a business-only transatlantic service operated under wet lease by Swiss business aircraft services provider PrivatAir.

A source close to the venture says Lufthansa will create an intra-European network of business jets for connecting passengers and ad hoc customers.

KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON

Source: Flight International