LTU is a German airline based in Düsseldorf. With its 26 aircraft 75 destinations on four continents are served. Statistically, LTU is the fifth safest airline in the world. In March 2007, the financially injured airline was purchased by Air Berlin.
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LTU was founded on October 20, 1955, in Frankfurt/Main as Lufttransport Union. The present name was adopted one year later, in order to prevent mix-ups with another company with the same name.
In 1956, charter operations started in a Vickers Viking and three Fokker Friendships. Later, the Sud Aviation Caravelle III became LTU’s first jet plane. Düsseldorf became the company’s base and main hub in 1961. The first wide-body jet, the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar was introduced in May 1973, followed by Boeing 757s, Boeing 767s and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 TriJets. From 1995, LTU completely switched to Airbus.
During the late 90s, LTU got into financial trouble. Ownership changed several times. On March 27, 2007, Air Berlin eventually purchased LTU for 140 million euros. They must, however, cover LTU’s debts (around 200 million euros) as well. Germany’s second largest airline plans to maintain LTU’s name and let them operate as an independent airline in the foreseeable future.
LTU owns a fleet of 25 Airbuses with an average age of five years and reaches around 75 destinations on four continents.
Statistically, LTU is the fifth safest airline in the world.
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