Lufthansa Group to cut 4,000 admin jobs as AI is adopted

Lufthansa Group is to cut 4,000 administrative jobs by 2030 through digitalisation, AI automation and “process consolidation”.

The disclosure came as the airline combine, which includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss and ITA Airways, presented strategic planning details at a capital markets day in Munich.

While the airlines are seeing strong demand for global air travel, they are to be moved more closely together to promote collaboration and speed up decision making.

Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Eurowings will see 40 new Boeing 737 Max 8s introduced in the largest fleet renewal in its history. The carrier’s Eurowings Holidays arm, which was spun off earlier this year, has been set a goal of growing rapidly to become one of the top 10 tour operators in Germany.

However, the group admitted that integrated co-operation will lead to “significant changes” in the processes and structures between its airlines in the future. 

“On this basis, the Lufthansa Group is reviewing which activities will no longer be necessary in the future, for example due to duplication of work,” a statement said.  

“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. 

“Due to these developments and structural adjustments, the Lufthansa Group plans to cut a total of around 4,000 jobs worldwide by 2030, the majority of which will be in Germany. 

“This will be done in consultation with the social partners. The focus will be on administrative rather than operational roles.”