Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Mr. Bernhard Wodl, who brings with him a wealth of experience as the General Manager of Lufthansa Group for Central Asia and Caucasus Region, based in Almaty. With a tenure of two years in the region, Mr. Wodl has been at the head of one of the leading aviation entities, overseeing sales and strategies that significantly impact air travel within Kazakhstan and the broader region. As we delve into our conversation, we aim to gain insights into the current landscape of Lufthansa Group's operations in Kazakhstan and the surrounding areas. We'll explore the challenges, changes, news and strategies employed by Mr. Wodl and his team to navigate the complexities of the aviation industry, particularly in the unique context of this region. So, without further ado, let's dive into our discussion and uncover the status quo of Lufthansa Group in Kazakhstan and beyond, as shared by the esteemed Mr. Wodl.
What are your expectations from the year 2024?
For 2024, we expect the trend of short-term bookings in Kazakhstan to continue. We anticipate a slight increase in corporate bookings as well. There is still a significant trend of exploring Europe, with customers showing great interest in shopping, cultural experiences, and medical trips. Short-term challenges remain, such as time zone changes and the night-time airport closure in Astana. An important step to enhance the travel experience will be the new terminal in Almaty, which we believe will greatly improve passenger satisfaction.
