German Chamber of Commerce in China and Lufthansa Group reconnect economies of Germany and China

The German Chamber of Commerce in China together with the German Diplomatic Missions in China and Lufthansa Group are teaming up to operate two repatriation flights from Germany to China. Both flights will originate from Frankfurt and go to Tianjin and Shanghai.

These flights plan to return some 400 managers, employees of German companies and their families to China, where they operate subsidiaries of multinational companies as well as Germany’s prestigious SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises). Both flights will be the first repatriation flights from Europe to China.

“This is an important step to reconnect China’s and Germany’s economies,” said Jens Hildebrandt, Executive Director of the German Chamber of Commerce in North China. “It is our common interest to contribute in helping the economy return to normalcy and pre-virus levels.” Germany is one of China’s most important and long-standing trading partners with more than 5,200 German companies located throughout the country and employing more than 1 million people. “We know there is a huge demand in the German business community to get more foreign employees back to China.”

Lufthansa German Airlines will carry out the flights to Tianjin and Shanghai organized by the Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the German Diplomatic Missions in China. Both flights will operate an Airbus A340-300 and each will have around 200 passengers on board. “These two flights are the first of hopefully many more Lufthansa Group flights between China and Germany in the coming months,” said Alain Chisari, Vice President for the Lufthansa Group Airlines in Asia-Pacific. “We are confident authorities will gradually ease restrictions for travelers from both countries so flights with our airlines return to China on a regular basis.”

Dr. Matthias Goebel, Lufthansa Group Chief Representative China, points out that both flights to Shanghai and Tianjin are the product of a joint effort of the German Diplomatic Missions in China, relevant Chinese authorities, the German Chamber of Commerce and Lufthansa Group. “It’s remarkable teamwork by all parties involved that makes these flights happen – and something we will build on to increase air travel again between our home markets, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and China.”

Flight details are as follows:

• LH 342 from Frankfurt to Tianjin: Departure on 29 May at 8pm (local time Frankfurt), arrival on 30 May at 11:45am (local time Tianjin).
• LH 734 from Frankfurt to Shanghai: Departure on 3 June at 6pm (local time Frankfurt), arrival on 4 June at 1:10pm (local time Shanghai).

Since the Corona crisis started, Lufthansa Group has operated almost 500 repatriation flights on behalf of European governments. In the process, almost 100,000 people have been flown back to their home countries.

About the German Chamber of Commerce in China
The German Chamber of Commerce in China has currently more than 2,300 members in mainland China and is the official member organization for German companies in China. By providing up to date market information and practical advice, the German Chamber helps its members to succeed in China. It offers a platform for the Sino-German business community and represents its members' interests towards stakeholders including government bodies and the public.