Germany’s Lufthansa Airlines has completed its inaugural flight from St. Louis Lambert International Airport in Missouri to the airline’s hub at Frankfurt Airport in Germany.
Regional business, civic, and governmental leaders joined representatives of Lufthansa Airlines to celebrate the inaugural Lufthansa service – the first non-stop flights from St. Louis to continental Europe in more than 20 years.
“This roundtrip service will play a critical role in St. Louis’ business attraction efforts, as noted by the 30-member trade delegation traveling to Germany on the very first flight,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “Lufthansa Airlines has been an amazing partner throughout this process, and we look forward to strengthening our relationship moving forward.”
The new non-stop flight service is expected to have a significant impact on the regional economy. Industry research and statements from peer metros across the country indicate that non-stop service to Europe adds between $50 million and $100 million per year to a region’s economy.
“St. Louis has many ingredients for success on a global scale: world-class industries, an educated workforce, and a regional focus on innovation,” said Rodney Crim, CEO and President of St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. “With the launch of direct flights to Europe, and the strong support of the St. Louis County Port Authority and the regional business community, we now count global connectivity among these ingredients for success.”
There are currently around 50 German companies operating in Missouri including Bayer, Merck, Siemens and BASF. And 15 Missouri companies have a presence in Germany including Enterprise Holdings, Emerson, Bunge and Maritz. The new direct service is expected to strengthen the bonds between Missouri and Germany.
“Excitement is contagious and I’m happy to be here to spread that excitement,” St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said. “This shows what is possible when we come together as a region.”
“I want to put St. Louis back on the map and this is doing this,” said St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones.
What Next?