Lufthansa launches Italian brand

German airline Lufthansa has launched its new brand, Lufthansa Italia, which will be used to operate flights from northern Italy to major destinations all over Europe, including London.

The airline said that Lufthansa Italia would combine "Italian flair" with Lufthansa values such as "reliability and high quality".

New flights operated by the carrier will connect the Milan and Lombardy region of Italy to Heathrow Airport in London from the end of March 2009 as part of the airline's summer schedule.

The first destinations served by Lufthansa Italia will be Barcelona and Paris from February 2nd, followed by Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest and Madrid four weeks later.

Lufthansa chairman and chief executive Wolfgang Mayrhuber said: "Milan and Lombardy rank among Europe's economically most important and strongest regions.

"A good route network connecting them with Europe's principal cities is essential. Lufthansa Italia is making this a reality and at the same time is demonstrating a clear commitment to the region."

The new flights will be operated by Airbus A319 aircraft accommodating 138 passengers in economy and business class cabins.

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