KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — German airline, Lufthansa, today announced  new, five times a week non-stop direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to its hub in Frankfurt by the first quarter of 2014.

The direct service also features conveniently scheduled evening flights, especially for business passengers, offering them a time saving and efficient connection to Europe.

General Manager Malaysia Paurus Nekoo said the country’s positive economic growth and development, as well as successful investments of German and European companies in the region, were amongst key factors that drove the service enhancement for Lufthansa.

The draw of Malaysia as a top tourist destination for European travellers also contributed to the move, he added, in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd Managing Director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad said the airport operator welcomed Lufthansa’s decision to start non-stop flights to its hub in Frankfurt.

“After operating close to a decade via an intermediate point, these non-stop flights reflect the increased importance of the Malaysian market to Lufthansa.

“The direct services also augur well for the Visit Malaysia Year 2014,” he added.

Lufthansa began flights to Malaysia in 1980 and up to now has offered the service with a stop-over in Bangkok. — Bernama