Celebrating the iconic Oktoberfest, currently taking place in Munich, a Lufthansa crew dressed in traditional attire from Bavaria operated a flight between Munich and Johannesburg.
LUFTHANSA SHOWCASES BAVARIAN CULTURE
While the famous Munich Oktoberfest takes place, Lufthansa passengers on selected flights will once again see the traditional “Trachten” costume crew take off from Munich.
Bavaria is located in southeast Germany. A leader in technology, the region is also known for being rooted in culture and tradition.
JOHANNESBURG: ONE OF TWO FLIGHT ROUTES
South Africa is one of two countries this year to welcome the traditional “Tracht” garment-dressed cabin crew as part of the Munich Oktoberfest activities.
The Lufthansa flight attendants recently flew from Munich to Osaka, Japan, the day before the official launch of the Oktoberfest.
This was followed by the traditional costume flight to Johannesburg on 30 September 2024, arriving at OR Tambo International Airport on 1 October.
The event marks Johannesburg being one of the only two long-haul destinations to welcome the Munich crew this year.
GARMENTS FROM BAVARIA
It has been a longstanding tradition for Lufthansa’s crew to wear traditional Bavarian garments on several European and German routes from Munich during the Oktoberfest season.
In addition, Lufthansa ground staff at the gates in Munich Terminal 2 also welcome passengers in this traditional attire.
Instead of the classic Lufthansa uniform, the ladies wear “dirndls” and the men traditional suits with “lederhosen”.
CONNECTING CULTURES
Lufthansa prides itself on connecting cultures. This was clearly evident this week.
The crew arriving on the newly reintroduced nonstop flight from Munich to Johannesburg experienced a vibrant cultural exchange and took the time to pose for photographs with the local Lufthansa team representatives who were also dressed in their traditional garments on arrival at the airport on Tuesday morning.
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SHARING BAVARIAN CULTURE WITH SOUTH AFRICA
The crew then gathered at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton on 2 October for another opportunity to celebrate tradition. They then danced and sang together with their South African colleagues.
These gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity for both Bavarian and local traditions to be celebrated. Thus, solidifying the longstanding relationship between Lufthansa and South Africa.
“Bringing our traditional Bavarian crew garments to Johannesburg is not just a festive nod to Oktoberfest but also a celebration of the rich cultural exchange between South Africa and Germany,” says Rene Koinzack, Senior Director Sales Southern & Eastern Africa, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, Lufthansa Group.
CONNECTING GERMANY AND SOUTH AFRICA
For over 60 years, Lufthansa has connected South Africa and Germany through air services.
This event marks a cultural milestone and highlights the enduring travel and business ties between the two nations.
“With our recently reintroduced Munich to Johannesburg non-stop flight and upcoming Munich to Cape Town route, we are building bridges between the two dynamic countries Germany and South Africa, fostering stronger tourism, trade, and business relations.” Koinzack said.
That said, this event wrapped up South Africa’s National Tourism Month in September.
The month of September focuses on positioning South Africa as a leading destination for international travellers.
The fusion of local and international traditions is expected to attract visitors to experience South Africa’s blend of cultures.
LUFTHANSA CREW BAVARIAN OUTFITS
The traditional clothing worn by the Lufthansa flight to Johannesburg was designed and tailored by Bavaria based traditional garment provider Angermaier.
All components and materials were sustainably produced and processed.
