Air Berlin (1991) (Berlin Tegel) will expand its longhaul networks out of Düsseldorf and Berlin Tegel as part of a board-approved strategy to enhance the carrier's market position in both cities. According to the ch-aviation airport capacity tool, Air Berlin dominates Düsseldorf with 28.11% of the total available capacity while at Berlin Tegel the effect is more pronounced with the airline currently in control of 44.14% of the airport's total weekly capacity.

As such, beginning in May 2016, Air Berlin is planning to open up non-stop flights from Düsseldorf to Boston (4x weekly), Dallas/Fort Worth (4x weekly), and San Francisco (5x weekly) in the United States, and to Havana International in Cuba (2x weekly, subject to regulatory approval). Services to existing destinations Los Angeles International and New York JFK will also be increased in order to boost appeal to the business segment. Plans for the German capital are expected to be announced later on this year.

Operations are on-board a trio of all-economy A330-200s currently used for medium-haul tourist routes. The aircraft will be refitted with a premium-class section prior to their deployment on long haul services next year.

"We are focussing our commitment in areas where we will be able to increase our market share in the current competitive environment. This will be achieved, particularly, on the transatlantic routes and in a number of European markets. We will continue to grow in these sectors. Overall capacity in 2016 will remain stable in comparison to the previous year,” airline CEO Stefan Pichler said.

As part of the strategy, Air Berlin is also looking to harmonize its network operations with those of partner airlines - Alitalia (AZA, Rome Fiumicino) and American Airlines (AA, Dallas/Fort Worth) in particular.