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Lufthansa's new satellite at Munich Airport

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[Translate to en:] Der "Viktualienmarkt" im neuen Münchner Terminal

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[Translate to en:] Die Lufthansa Senator Lounge im neuen Münchner Terminal

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[Translate to en:] Das neue Terminal der Lufthansa in München

Munich Airport and Lufthansa have jointly opened a new terminal satellite, which will increase capacity from 25 million to 36 million passengers per year.

The atmosphere in the 609-metre-long satellite at the opening was celebratory. After all, the additional capacity of 11 million passengers is equivalent to that of Cologne or Stuttgart Airport. But the event was also characterized by what Lufthansa has planned for Munich in the future. "We have 110 aircraft stationed here (including 27 long-haul jets) and over 11,000 employees. That is a success story. The opening of the satellite is an important day to move forward because we can offer 11 million additional passengers a top service," explains Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr in an interview with Connoisseur Circle. And Spohr confirms that plans are also underway to grow further with Eurowings in Munich. "Their local launch will be in 2017 at the earliest." When asked whether the new satellite will be a weapon against competitors such as Emirates and others? "The most efficient weapon is our premium quality. This terminal also shows that. And that naturally makes it more difficult for others to compete with us," explains Spohr. More infrastructure opens up more opportunities. Lufthansa is also transferring new aircraft to Munich, such as the Airbus A350 from December.

For Thomas Winkelmann, CEO of the Lufthansa Hub Munich, the new satellite continues the success story of Lufthansa Terminal 2. "Passengers around the world decide which airline to fly with based on quality and networks. Munich will be in an even better position to connect people with each other, even intercontinentally. We believe that word of the airport's quality will spread so quickly that success will come almost automatically," Winkelmann is convinced. In addition, Lufthansa has enough ideas to utilize the enormous infrastructure. The manager can also imagine new destinations. For example, towards warm-water destinations, such as with Eurowings. "I could also imagine one or two destinations in North Asia."

The fact that it is still possible to offer a minimum transfer time of 35 minutes, as well as 12 Lufthansa lounges (including the existing Terminal 2), is unique in the world. "That's why people from other hubs will choose Munich," says Winkelmann. Also from Austria. "Clearly also from Vienna. That increases the competition. But it's a friendly competition, just like we have with Paris, Dubai or Istanbul."

With the satellite, Munich Airport will gain 27 aircraft parking positions close to the building, which will allow passengers to board the aircraft directly and without a bus transfer. As one of the most modern airport buildings in the world, the satellite will offer guests a pleasant atmosphere in its light-flooded halls. The airport-wide WLAN network can also be used free of charge in the
can also be used free of charge in the satellite. All waiting areas are also equipped with power and USB connections. Passengers will find a completely new dining and shopping experience on over 7,000 square meters. A total of 15 retail spaces, seven restaurants and cafés and three duty-free areas have been created. The heart of the passenger building is the light-flooded central marketplace around the apron tower. As a tribute to Munich's Viktualienmarkt, there are market stalls with a themed focus that are modeled on the originals in the city center.
The total investment for the satellite terminal is around 900 million euros.

Text: Kurt Hofmann