Hahnair celebrates 25 years

Hahnair stands at the forefront of revolutionising airline distribution, offering global solutions tailored to meet regional needs. From its innovative H1X1 platform to its growing presence in the Indian market, the company blends cutting-edge technology, customer-centric services, and strategic tie-ups to connect airlines and travellers worldwide.

Surbhi Sharma

Hahnair, a scheduled and executive charter airline of Germany, has transformed the landscape of airline distribution, empowering airlines and travel professionals worldwide. From integrating regional carriers into global markets to pioneering cutting-edge solutions tailored for diverse regions like India, the company combines technology, service excellence, and strategic partnerships to redefine how the world travels. It recently celebrated its 25-year milestone in the industry at Le Méridien hotel in New Delhi. Over 80 travel agency partners attended the event, along with Kimberley Long, Vice President – Agency Distribution, Hahnair and Bharat Kapoor, Regional Vice President, Hahnair.

India being one of the top five global markets for Hahnair, the celebration highlighted the contributions of Indian partners in its journey and underscored the company’s commitment to supporting their growth. “India remains one of our key markets globally, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support, trust and collaboration from our agency partners here. Together, we are achieving great things, and I am confident that our partnership will only grow stronger in the years ahead,” Long said.

Recalling the company’s journey, she said that Hahnair began with a humble route from Düsseldorf to Luxembourg. Since 1999, the company has been offering distribution services to other airlines, and during the last 25 years, the company has established itself as the market leader. “Today, we collaborate with over 350 airlines, reaching 190 markets worldwide and empowering more than 100,000 travel agencies to book flights through our HR169 ticketing code,” Long shared. She said, “One of Hahnair’s notable achievements is the development of the H1X1 platform. This platform brings smaller, often regional airlines, into the Global Distribution System (GDS), providing them with the tools and reach they need to operate globally. For airlines with limited fleets, Hahnair’s H1X1 solution offers them the infrastructure, technical support, and access to global markets without the heavy operational overhead. This approach underscores the company’s emphasis on empowering airlines to choose their distribution markets strategically.”

Impact of technology

With technology at its core, Hahnair has become a leader in innovation within the airline distribution space. “As the aviation industry advances towards New Distribution Capability (NDC) standards, our commitment to enhancing customer service remains central. Our round-the-clock service desks in Montevideo, the Philippines, Germany, and India ensure seamless support for clients worldwide. This combination of cutting-edge technology and human-centric support reflects company’s dedication to a smooth, client-friendly experience,” she highlighted.

India, a strategic partner

Highlighting how India market is different from the rest, Long said, “The company views India as an innovation hub, recognising the country’s dynamic, youthful workforce and its willingness to embrace new ideas.”

Plans for next 25 years

Hahnair promises expansion and innovation, with a strong focus on India and emerging technologies. The company envisions a world where technology further personalises travel and creates new efficiencies in airline distribution.

Success in India market

Kapoor expressed gratitude to the Indian market. “With access to more than 350 partner airlines whose flights can be issued on the Hahnair HR-169 ticket, Indian travel agencies have been instrumental in our success. The praise we receive from Indian travel professionals for our complementary Securtix® insolvency protection is a testament to our shared values of trust and reliability,” he said.