Lufthansa Group has landed first prize in the technology category of the Airline Strategy Awards conferred by the prestigious Airline Business magazine, underlining the technical competence and power of innovation of Lufthansa Technik, the group’s subsidiary and the world market leader in aircraft mainten-ance, repair and overhaul services.

Accepting the award in London on the Group’s behalf, Lufthansa Senior Vice President Corporate Strategy Sadiq Gillani said: “We are delighted to receive this award, recognising the Group’s commitment to developing industry leading innovations, which also contribute towards economic and environmental sustainability. We are focussed on developing innovative new ways to reduce our fuel consumption through the combined strength of Lufthansa Technik and the airlines of the Lufthansa Group. As the global aviation leader, we will continue on this path shaping the industry, and making flying even more environmentally friendly.”

The independent jury of respected industry experts said the award went to Lufthansa Group because of its investments in fuel saving technologies, not only to cut its kerosene bill but also to position the Group favourably with regard to future aircraft support business opportunities.

Two examples mentioned by the jury are the pioneering test case with a pilot-controlled tow tractor for aircraft operations at Frankfurt this year. The long-term aim is to move departing planes from the ramp to the runway without the use of the main engines for regular taxiing. Furthermore, to improve fuel efficiency in flight, Lufthansa is testing new aircraft paint with a sharkskin-inspired riblet texture on two Airbus A340-300s.