LCC Sets Ambitious 2026 Expansion Strategy
The Lufthansa City Center (LCC) network is getting ready for a big worldwide expansion in 2026, with an emphasis on growing business travel. The strategy, which was revealed during the network’s 21st General Assembly in Malta, calls for LCC to work harder to get new members in important global markets and to make its presence stronger in business travel.
Heiko Brix, the managing director of LCC International, claimed that the company’s goals are to “control growth in core markets” and “foster a new generation of entrepreneurial agencies.” He called LCC “a vibrant, global network with a local backbone,” which is a good way to define its combination of independent travel agents and destination management organizations.
New Growth Targets Across Europe and Asia-Pacific
LCC wants additional travel management members in Spain, Portugal, and Poland in Europe. In the Asia-Pacific area, it wants to grow into India, South Korea, China, Indonesia, and Australia. The network is focusing on independent, creative, and ambitious mid-sized agencies that want to grow their businesses.
Brix called India a “huge opportunity” since its business travel industry is growing. He also named Poland as a goal, even though he had previously teamed up with eTravel, the country’s leading BSP producer. LCC has over 600 agencies in 110 countries right now. In 2024, it made €7.6 billion, up from €5.98 billion in 2023.
Business Travel Network Strengthens Through Partnerships
LCC has grown via both natural development and new alliances. Gant Travel in the U.S., which generated €1 billion in sales, Beyond Business Travel in Northern Ireland, and Vermari in Brazil are some of the new companies.
LCC recruited 35 new agencies in 2024, five of which joined its worldwide corporate travel network. This brought the overall number of business travel members throughout the world to 55. The firm also has 60 travel management businesses in Germany, which strengthens its position as one of the top three TMC networks in Europe.
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Adapting to Economic Shifts and SME Market Resilience
Even though there was only a little growth in 2025, with revenue being the same and bookings going down, Brix was hopeful about how strong small and medium-sized business (SME) clients are. He stated that German small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have proved that they can swiftly react to problems in the economy and uncertainties in world politics.
Brix added, “SMEs need personal service.” “Our strength is still in providing great service, even as tech-first competitors get stronger.” His sentiments were similar to those of Markus Orth, Managing Director of LCC Germany, who said that small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) seek personalized help with handling disruptions and new content systems like NDC.
Competing in an Evolving Tech-Driven Market
Orth and Brix talked about how companies like Navan, Perk (previously TravelPerk), and Lanes & Planes are changing the travel technology market. But they view Amex GBT’s purchase of CWT as a chance for LCC to stand apart by offering personalized service and adaptable digital solutions.
Orth said that two-thirds of clients who try tech-first solutions end up going back to LCC because “they miss the human touch.” He went on to say that interruptions and post-booking management are still important times “when service really matters.”
Embracing NDC and Technology Integration
LCC has made a lot of progress in using New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology. Brix said that 19.8% of LCC’s Lufthansa bookings now go through NDC channels, which is 9% more than the industry average. For German members, the number is much higher at 30%.
LCC gives its members access to BridgeIT, Travelfusion, and TPConnects platforms to help with integration. In 2025, the network also worked with TripStax, Thomalex, All7, Travel Metrics, and Neylux to build a flexible digital environment that met the demands of its members.
Investing in AI and Future-Ready Operations
More than 500 delegates from 78 nations attended the Malta assembly, where artificial intelligence was a big topic of discussion. Brix stated that AI is now at the heart of many of LCC’s daily duties, including analyzing emails and managing travel plans.
He remarked, “AI is both a problem and a chance.” “We have to accept it to get ahead of the competition.” Members of LCC are also discussing best practices for AI to improve efficiency, client engagement, and travel data insights in all regions.
A Global Network Built on Service and Innovation
As LCC gets ready for 2026, its plan combines updating technology with customized care. The goal is to reach more people while still putting the client first. The company wants to improve its position as a top global travel management network by using AI innovation, adopting NDC, and hiring experts that deal with small and medium-sized businesses.
Brix ended with, “Our mission is growth with purpose.” “We’re building a network that links people, technology, and service to make sure that business travel continues to thrive around the world.”
