Experience Luxury in the Skies: Choose Air Berlin for Your Next Journey

Air Berlin was Germany's second largest airline, renowned for its efficiency and excellent service. It offered domestic and international flights to all corners of the globe. Known for its comfortable seating, punctuality, and friendly staff, Air Berlin gave passengers a top-notch flying experience. It was famed for its red and white logo, symbolizing its passion for flying and commitment to customer satisfaction. Despite ceasing operations in 2017, Air Berlin's legacy in the aviation industry is still remembered vividly.

Name	Air Berlin
IATA code	AB
ICAO code	BER
Callsign	Air Berlin
Headquarters	Berlin, Germany
Hubs	Berlin Tegel Airport, Düsseldorf Airport
Frequent-flyer program	Topbonus
Alliance	Oneworld (ended in 2017)
Founded	1978
Ceased operations	2017
Fleet size	144 (at time of closure)
Destinations	81 (at time of closure)
Parent company	Etihad Airways
Website	www.airberlin.com (inactive)
Key people	Thomas Winkelmann (CEO, 2017)
Revenue	€3.79 billion (2016)
Operating income	-€667.1 million (2016)
Net income	-€781.9 million (2016)
Employees	8,481 (2016)
Subsidiaries	Niki, Belair, Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter

Air Berlin's Legacy

Air Berlin has a long-standing reputation as Germany's second largest airline, a credential that speaks volumes about the quality of service and reliability that you can expect. The airline's heritage dates back to 1978, a testament to its sustainability and resilience in the competitive aviation industry. Read more

Extensive Network

One of the major strengths of Air Berlin lies in its extensive network. It operates scheduled flights to over 150 destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This breadth of coverage ensures that you can travel to your desired destination with minimal hassle and maximum convenience. Read more

Comfortable Travel

Air Berlin is renowned for its commitment to passenger comfort. Their aircrafts are fitted with comfortable seats, ample legroom, and a variety of in-flight entertainment options. This ensures that your journey is as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. Read more

Impressive On-Time Performance

Air Berlin boasts an impressive on-time performance record. Their dedication to punctuality means that you can rely on them to get you to your destination on schedule. Read more

Award-winning Service

Over the years, Air Berlin has earned numerous awards for its exceptional service and performance. This includes accolades for its in-flight service, customer care, and operational efficiency. These awards are a testament to the airline's continuous commitment to excellence. Read more

Competitive Pricing

Despite its high-quality service and extensive network, Air Berlin offers competitive pricing. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for a reliable and comfortable flying experience. Read more

TopBonus Frequent Flyer Program

Air Berlin's TopBonus frequent flyer program offers a range of benefits to regular travellers. This includes access to premium lounges, priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and the opportunity to earn and redeem miles on all Air Berlin flights. Read more

Eco-friendly Operations

Air Berlin is committed to sustainable operations. They have several initiatives in place to reduce their carbon footprint, including fuel-efficient aircraft and a comprehensive recycling program. This makes Air Berlin a great choice for eco-conscious travellers. Read more

Innovative Booking and Check-in Systems

Air Berlin has embraced technology to provide a seamless travel experience. This includes an easy-to-use online booking system and a convenient check-in process, making your travel preparations hassle-free. Read more

Dedicated Customer Service

Air Berlin's customer service is dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction. Whether you have a query, a complaint, or need assistance with your booking, you can rely on their professional and responsive customer service team to assist you. Read more

Facts

1. The Humble Beginnings:

Did you know that air berlin, which was Germany's second-largest airline, started as a small American company? Established in 1978, it was originally registered as an American airline to bypass the restrictions on German aviation in West Berlin after World War II.

2. Record-breaking Fleet:

At the peak of its operations, air berlin boasted a fleet of over 170 aircraft, making it one of the largest airlines in Europe. The fleet was a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, primarily from the Airbus and Boeing families.

3. Unique Flight Paths: During the Cold War, air berlin was one of the only airlines allowed to fly to West Berlin, making it an essential service for the city. It had to take specific air corridors, often leading to unusual and indirect flight paths.
4. Pioneers in Low-Cost Travel:

air berlin was one of the pioneers in the low-cost carrier market in Europe. Despite being a full-service airline, they offered competitive fares which made air travel more accessible to the general public.

5. The air berlin Academy: In a bid to ensure top-notch service, air berlin established its own academy for cabin crew training. The air berlin academy was renowned for its rigorous training and high standards.
6. Impressive On-Time Performance:

air berlin was popular among travelers for its punctuality. It consistently ranked high in on-time performance statistics, earning it a reputation for reliability.

7. The Oneworld Alliance: air berlin was a part of the prestigious Oneworld alliance, joining the ranks of major global airlines like British Airways and American Airlines. This partnership allowed passengers greater flexibility and access to a vast network of destinations worldwide.
8. The Etihad Partnership:

In 2011, UAE's Etihad Airways acquired a major share in air berlin, marking a significant turning point for the airline. This partnership was aimed at boosting the airline's global reach and enhancing its financial stability.

9. The Final Flight: Sadly, air berlin ceased operations in 2017 due to financial difficulties. The airline's final flight, AB6210, took off from Munich and landed in Berlin, marking the end of an aviation era.
10. Legacy:

Despite its closure, the legacy of air berlin lives on. The airline played a significant role in shaping the aviation industry, particularly in Germany and Europe. Today, many former employees are part of other major airlines, carrying forward the spirit of air berlin.

Vocabulary

Airline – A company that provides regular flights to transport people or goods.

Air Travel – The action of traveling in aircraft.

Baggage – Personal belongings packed for travel.

Boarding Pass – A pass for boarding an aircraft, given to a passenger in exchange for a ticket.

Business Class – A high-quality travel class on some passenger airlines.

Cabin Crew – The staff working on a flight, responsible for the safety and comfort of the passengers.

Check-In – The process where passengers confirm their presence and register luggage.

Economy Class – The least expensive and most basic class of accommodation on a passenger airline.

Flight Number – A number given by airlines to each flight for identification purposes.

Frequent Flyer – A person who travels regularly by air.

Gate – The area in an airport where passengers wait before getting onto an aircraft.

In-flight Entertainment – The entertainment available to aircraft passengers during a flight.

Jet Engine – An engine that works by jet propulsion, used in aircraft.

Layover – A period of rest or waiting before a further stage in a journey.

Luggage – Bags, cases, and containers which hold a traveler's articles during transit.

Onboard – On or within an aircraft.

Overhead Compartment – Storage areas in passenger aircraft above the seats.

Passenger – A person who is traveling from one place to another in a vehicle but is not operating it.

Pilot – A person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft.

Runway – A long, level piece of ground with a specially prepared smooth, hard surface on which aircraft take off and land.

Security Check – A procedure where a person's belongings are examined for concealed weapons or explosives.

Terminal – A building at an airport where passengers transfer from ground transportation to the facilities that allow them to board airplanes.

Ticket – A piece of paper or card that gives the holder a certain right, especially to enter a place, travel by public transport, or participate in an event.

Time Zone – A geographic region within which the same standard time is used.

Transit – The act of passing over, across, or through something.

Travel Agency – A company or business that sells and arranges travel-related services.

Turbulence – Irregular atmospheric motion especially when characterized by up-and-down currents.

Visa – An endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period in a country.

Window Seat – A seat next to the window in a plane, train, or other vehicle.

Air Traffic Control – A service provided by ground-based controllers who coordinate the movement of aircraft to ensure that planes stay safe distances apart.