Lufthansa German Airlines announced the appointment effective from April 1, 2012,Carsten Schaeffer as the airline’s new Vice President for Sales and Services for Southeast Europe, Africa and Middle East, based out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In his new role, Schaeffer will be responsible for the overall sales and representation of Lufthansa across 28 countries and 38 destinations in Southeast Europe, Middle East and Africa. Mr Schaffer was previously Managing Director at Miles & More International, GmbH, Lufthansa’s frequent flyer programme, from 2005 to March 2012.

Carsten Schaeffer succeeds Joachim Steinbach. While  Steinbach shall moves to Germany to take up Schaeffer’s previous role as Managing Director for Miles & More International GmbH.

Joachim Steinbach said:  “We welcome the appointment of Mr. Carsten Schaeffer, who brings with him two decades of expertise and an extensive background in the airline industry.  He will undoubtedly make a valuable contribution and strengthen Lufthansa’s presence in the region.”

Born in Büsum, Germany, Carsten Schaeffer started his career at Lufthansa German Airlines in 1984 as sales coordinator and promoted to director in 1992 holding various posts and responsibilities within the company until 1996.  His career at the airline was temporarily interrupted when he worked for Deutsches Reisebüro and TRUST International from1996 to 2000.  Schaeffer then returned to Lufthansa German Airline as Director for Business Development and Alliances North America, based in New York, USA.  With his skills in the field of airline alliances, Carsten Schaeffer then moved to Germany to assume the role of Managing Director at Miles & More International, GmbH.

Schaeffer added: “I look forward to my move to the UAE and to being at the helm of Lufthansa German Airlines across 28 markets.  Southeast Europe, and the Middle East and Africa in particular, are significant growth markets and highly-competitive, which provides Lufthansa with an opportunity to cement our position as the leading European airline across each of these regions,” said Mr. Schaeffer. “With our comprehensive network of destinations, we certainly meet the demands for travel to and from Europe and North America, and are well placed to leverage our strong brand and product offerings.  Lufthansa’s investments in product upgrades and innovations – such as the global roll out of our new Business Class and the anticipated arrival of the Boeing 747-8 this year will boost our position.”

Source:  Lufthansa German Airlines