Restructuring plan focuses on efficiency, digitalisation, and AI across Lufthansa Group.
Frankfurt, September 23 — German flag carrier Lufthansa announced Monday that it will cut 4,000 jobs — nearly 4% of its global workforce — as part of a sweeping cost-saving program aimed at restoring profitability.
The airline has been hit hard by strikes, aircraft delivery delays, and rising expenses, with earnings falling by 20% in 2024. Its profitability now lags behind leading European competitors such as Air France–KLM and IAG.
The staff reductions, scheduled to be completed by 2030, will primarily affect administrative positions in Germany. Lufthansa stressed that the cuts will not target pilots, cabin crew, or frontline staff.
The group — which includes Eurowings, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines, and recently acquired a stake in Italy’s ITA Airways — expects to save around €300 million ($350 million) between 2028 and 2030.
Management said the restructuring would focus on improving efficiency across its subsidiaries and making greater use of new technologies.
“In particular, the profound changes brought about by digitalisation and the increased use of artificial intelligence will lead to greater efficiency in many areas and processes”
Lufthansa said in a statement
Lufthansa currently employs about 103,000 people worldwide. The announcement comes as Germany’s struggling economy continues to weigh on its largest corporations, adding pressure to an already turbulent aviation sector.
