Lufthansa has announced a significant shift in its premium ground services, replacing its long-standing Porsche chauffeur service with a new Sixt First Class limousine partnership (according to OMAAT). From February 2025, Sixt will take over as the airline’s exclusive provider, introducing a fleet of luxury vehicles designed to enhance the experience of First Class passengers and HON Circle members.
This transition signals a broader industry move towards more spacious and versatile luxury transport options. While Porsche’s partnership provided an exhilarating yet niche experience, the new Sixt fleet offers increased comfort and variety, including Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW i7, Audi Q8, and Mercedes-Benz V-Class vehicles.
Why Sixt and Why Now?
The decision to transition from Porsche to Sixt reflects Lufthansa’s strategy to align with evolving passenger expectations. Lufthansa and Porsche concluded their long-standing partnership in December 2024, though the airline has not publicly detailed the specific reasons behind this decision. Reports suggest that the move aligns with Lufthansa’s strategic realignment, leading to a tender process to identify a new provider for its First Class limousine service. This shift underscores Lufthansa’s commitment to evolving its services in line with strategic objectives and passenger expectations.
Sixt, established in Munich in 1912, has long been a leader in premium mobility solutions. By leveraging Sixt’s extensive experience in providing high-end ground transport, Lufthansa ensures that its most valued passengers experience an effortless, seamless transfer from terminal to aircraft.
Interestingly, despite SWISS—part of the Lufthansa Group—partnering with BMW for its all-electric limousine service in July 2024, Lufthansa opted for Sixt instead of forming a direct agreement with BMW. This decision provides Lufthansa with access to a more diverse fleet, including luxury models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, rather than being limited to a single brand. Additionally, Lufthansa has a long-standing relationship with Sixt as a preferred mobility provider, ensuring a seamless integration of ground and air travel experiences.
This shift also highlights a growing trend among global carriers to invest in premium door-to-door experiences. For example, Emirates and Etihad Airways offer chauffeur-driven luxury services in select cities, catering to high-net-worth individuals who demand convenience at every stage of their journey. Similarly, British Airways’ First Wing at Heathrow seamlessly connects First Class passengers with private security channels, mirroring the same commitment to exclusivity and efficiency.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Implications
Lufthansa’s move is more than just a service upgrade; it is a strategic response to industry-wide shifts in premium travel expectations.
- Luxury airlines are increasingly personalising passenger experiences—ensuring that the high standards of first-class cabins are extended beyond the aircraft.
- Sustainability is playing a larger role in premium travel—the inclusion of electric vehicles like the BMW i7 in Sixt’s fleet reflects an industry-wide push for eco-conscious luxury.
- The demand for seamless ground-to-air transitions is growing—passengers flying First Class expect efficiency, exclusivity, and effortless transfers to complement their flight experience.
The Future of Lufthansa’s Premium Services
By aligning with Sixt, Lufthansa is not just upgrading its limousine service—it is redefining first-class ground travel. The shift from Porsche to Sixt introduces a more diverse fleet, ensuring that passengers prioritising space, luxury, or sustainability have tailored options at their disposal.
This move also sets the stage for potential future expansions, such as integrating the service across more Lufthansa hubs or incorporating further digital enhancements for a seamless booking and transfer experience.
For Lufthansa’s most exclusive passengers, this partnership promises a new era of elevated comfort, aligning with the airline’s broader ambition to remain a leader in premium travel. With this step, Lufthansa continues to set benchmarks in the luxury aviation market, ensuring that every stage of the first-class journey—from check-in to touchdown—remains an exercise in sophistication and exclusivity.
