Lufthansa launches first non-stop flights to Silicon Valley from Europe

19. Oct 2015
by BusinessClass

The new direct service between Frankfurt and San Jose, California, will commence on April 29, 2016, and will be the first non-stop flight to Silicon Valley from Europe, beating the inauguration of

British Airways’ daily Heathrow - San Jose service

by five days. Lufhansa’s five-times weekly service will be operated by a three-class (Business, Premium Economy and Economy) Airbus A340-300.

Flight LH488 will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, departing from Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub at 10.40 and arriving in San Jose at 13.40. In the opposite direction, flight LH489 will depart San Jose at 15.20, with arrival in Frankfurt at 11.35 the following morning. Fight time is estimated at twelve hours. San Jose lies in the heart of Silicon Valley, home to many leading companies in the technological, internet, biotech, pharmaceutical and medical industries, as well as a number of major car manufacturers. San Jose is also an attractive tourist destination, serving as an ideal starting point to explore Northern California, while San Francisco is just 70 kilometres away. Mineta San Jose International Airport is increasingly developing into an international hub, with Frankfurt becoming the airport’s third international destination to be aded this year - following Hainan Airways’ Beijing route, and British Airways’ London Heathrow route.

Kim Becker, Director of Aviation at San Jose Airport

, said, “The addition of Frankfurt services to Mineta San Jose International Airport’s growing list of international destinations is welcome news for Silicon Valley travellers.”

Juergen Siebenrock, Lufhansa’s Vice President for The Americas

, said, “We will be the first European airline to offer direct flights from San Jose to Germany, Europe and beyond, which emphasises the importance of this region to our airline.” Round-trip fares start at EUR 899 (£660)

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