Reborn in Hong Kong: The Tycoon Grows Up

Lufthansa's history can be traced back to 1926. At that time, the two airlines DAL and AG were officially merged and formally established in Berlin, Germany in 1926. In 1933, the company officially changed its name: "Lufthansa". The history of Lufthansa is closely related to the establishment of the German Third Reich and its collapse in 1945. With the end of World War II in 1945 and Germany's defeat, Lufthansa ceased flying in the same year, and the history of Lufthansa also came to an end. Several German companies, including Lufthansa, were regarded by the Allies as accomplices of the German Nazi Party, and therefore hoped that future generations would downplay their past history.

In the 1950s, Lufthansa was rebuilt. The initial name was "Air AG"; on April 1, 1955, the name "Lufthansa AG" was restored. Since then, Lufthansa's passenger and cargo operations have developed rapidly. Lufthansa has become one of the world's leading international airlines.

In 1958, Lufthansa ordered four Boeing 707s and launched the first flight using jet aircraft in March 1960, from Frankfurt to New York. Since then, the Boeing 720 has also joined the Lufthansa fleet. In February 1961, Lufthansa opened routes to Hong Kong and Tokyo, expanding its route network to the Far East. The following year, it opened routes to Lagos and Johannesburg.

In 1964, Lufthansa purchased a Boeing 727 and launched the Arctic route from Frankfurt to Tokyo in May of the same year. In February 1965, Lufthansa ordered 21 Boeing 737s. These aircraft began to be delivered in 1968, and Lufthansa became the launch user of the Boeing 737.

On April 26, 1970, Lufthansa put the Boeing 747 into service, marking the beginning of Lufthansa's wide-body era. Since then, Lufthansa introduced more Boeing 747-200s, and in 1972 became the first airline to use Boeing 747 freighters. In addition, it also introduced McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and Airbus A300. In 1979, Lufthansa and Swiss Aviation becomes the launch customer of Airbus A310.

It can be said that Lufthansa is one of Boeing's largest customers. After all, they were the first to use many Boeing models. In the previous life, this year was the year for Lufthansa to show its strength. Who would have thought that the Paris Air Show would be postponed.

However, as the company's established strategy, Lufthansa's plan has not changed at all. Unlike Japan Airlines, there are two large companies competing against each other. It can be said that Lufthansa is the only airline in Germany, and even in the whole of Europe; no other airline can challenge their status in the world.

Manstein-Spohr, as the current president of Lufthansa Airlines, is very concerned about the new aircraft at the Paris Air Show. When I saw the H3M-111 aircraft produced by United Airlines, I immediately thought that this is the aircraft Lufthansa needs. However, he also had some concerns about this matter. That is, McDonnell Douglas is also involved. After all, the DC-10 aircraft did not give him a good impression.

But I saw that Mitsubishi, Heiyun, and Motorola all had shares in this company, plus Bao Zixuan personally conducted test flights; and the entire negotiation process with the Japanese. It is enough to show that the four companies have absolute confidence in the H3M-111 aircraft. Otherwise, we would not dare to make such a big show, and even blatantly discuss cooperation matters with other people.

Manstein-Spohr came to the United Aircraft Manufacturing Company's booth and introduced himself: "Hello, Mr. Bao Zixuan! I am Manstein-Spohr, from Lufthansa, Germany; can I chat with you?" Just for a moment!"

Typical characteristics of Germanic men, blond hair and blue eyes. When he was young, he was definitely a handsome guy. Bao Zixuan was really not very familiar with this person; but his son, Carsten Spohr, the future president of Lufthansa Airlines, Bao Zixuan still had some impressions. After all, I have met him several times and introduced him to the engine-related performance.

When the head of Europe's largest airline comes to visit, of course he must be warmly received.

Bao Zixuan said in German: "Of course there is no problem. Mr. Spohr is a distinguished guest. Lufthansa is a benchmark company in the industry. I don't think any aircraft manufacturing company will refuse to meet with you."

Respect is mutual. Many people may be polite on the surface, but may forget you later. After all, I feel that the two of them will not have much interaction, and it is impossible for them to make friends or meet each other in the future. Being polite is more out of politeness and a matter of one's own quality. But where do many people put their own strength, and the industries both parties are engaged in are closely related.

There will be many places where we will meet in the future; then we cannot treat others like strangers. Lufthansa, as Europe's largest aviation giant, has a large procurement budget every year. Competition among the world's aircraft manufacturing companies is also very fierce. If you always act condescending, people will definitely not choose you.

Offending others through expressions and words is the stupidest behavior, and Mr. Bao would not make such a stupid mistake.

Good cultivation, a genius brain, and a vision beyond the times make Bao Zixuan instantly recognized wherever he goes.

Manstein-Spohr said with a smile: "Mr. Bao is too polite. Lufthansa has just been in the aviation business for a longer time. There is nothing special about it."

"The main purpose of coming here this time is to learn about the performance of the H3M-111 aircraft, and to see if there are any cooperation opportunities between us."

Germans are always cautious and slow to warm up. Even if you are ready to buy, you won't show it. This is to give yourself some room for maneuver and give both parties a way out.

But anyone who knows Manstein-Spohr knows that this president is serious. If you don’t want to buy the H3M-111 aircraft, you may not even come here, let alone say the word ‘cooperation’.

There were Boeing employees nearby. When United Aircraft Manufacturing Company was established, they realized that the situation was not good. The aircraft has now been produced and its test flights have been so successful. Combining the technical strength of the four companies, it can be said that the biggest competitor of Boeing 747 has emerged.

McDonnell Douglas had always regarded Airbus as a competitor, but McDonnell Douglas had instinctively ignored it. But who would have thought that a United Aircraft Manufacturing Company would be formed. Boeing has no advantage at all in front of others. The military market has been suppressed by Lockheed and McDonnell Douglas. Now even the civilian market is being ruthlessly crushed. If that's the case, Boeing is really not far away from decline.

The two Japanese airlines may not have such a big impact. After all, Asia as a whole is not a mainstream market at this time. That is to say, Japan has more frequent contacts with other countries, and the economic strength of the remaining countries is still far behind. Moreover, there are no very influential airlines in the region.

But Lufthansa is different. It can be said that it has a strategic partnership with Boeing. Many Boeing models were the first to be put into operation by Lufthansa. If they buy United Airlines aircraft in large quantities, the influence will be too great.

Moreover, Europe has very frequent exchanges with the United States and the entire world. As the largest airline in continental Europe, Lufthansa has a lot of demand for large aircraft. If they buy H3M-111 aircraft, Boeing 747 sales will inevitably fall off a cliff. There must be a way, otherwise Boeing will be very dangerous.

But after all, we are on someone else's territory now, and this is the Paris Air Show. If you really dare to cause trouble, it will not only be embarrassing, but also completely offend the French. It’s really hard to say whether Boeing can come and participate in the exhibition in the future.

Now we can only wait in a hurry and wait until the negotiations between the two parties are concluded; in the past, Lufthansa negotiated and had a good talk with the other party.

Boeing still understands the character of the Germans and knows that they are very cautious in doing things. Unlike the Japanese, who can make a decision as soon as their head is hot. Moreover, Mitsubishi Corporation is involved; fortunately, United Airlines Aircraft Manufacturing Company is not a German company.

And the headquarters is still built in the UK; there may not be one country that Germans dislike the most.

In fact, as Boeing speculated, even if the Germans took action, they would not be so quick. But they ignored one thing, that is, the Japanese had already placed the order first. According to the rules, the aircraft must be delivered to the Japanese first.

Japan and Germany are two countries in the world that admire each other. If the Japanese use it, they find there is no problem. Then the problem should not be big. If the Japanese find after using it that the aircraft design has major safety hazards or does not meet the design requirements, and the overall performance is much worse than advertised, then the contract can be completely broken.

I believe that with the strength of the four companies, they will not be able to occupy even a small deposit.

It takes time to warm up slowly. If it is late, you may have to wait for the planes to fly; Lufthansa is still not used. If you fall one step behind, the market will be seized by other airlines, and no one will dare to take risks.