Lufthansa embraces AI, to trim 4,000 jobs by 2030

Frankfurt: Lufthansa Group has announced plans to cut 4,000 jobs by the end of the decade, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and a strategic consolidation of operations across its member airlines. The move comes despite strong demand for air travel and forecasts of increased profitability.

In a statement released on Monday, the company said most of the affected roles would be in Germany and would primarily impact administrative positions rather than operational staff.

Lufthansa is aiming to further integrate its network carriers – Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways – and is “reviewing which activities will be no longer necessary in the future, for instance due to duplication of work.”

The airline group highlighted that “profound changes brought about by digitalisation and artificial intelligence” would lead to improved efficiency across various business areas.

The update was delivered during a strategic presentation to investors and analysts in Munich, where Lufthansa reaffirmed its strong outlook. The group noted that continued high demand for air travel, alongside limited flight availability due to supply chain constraints for aircraft and engines, is keeping planes full and supporting strong revenue performance.

Looking ahead, the group said it expects “significantly increased profitability” by 2030. As part of its future strategy, Lufthansa is preparing for what it described as “the largest fleet modernisation in the company's history”, with plans to introduce more than 230 new aircraft – including 100 long-haul jets – by the end of the decade.

The Lufthansa Group, a major global aviation operator, includes both network airlines and the point-to-point carrier Eurowings, as well as various service companies. In 2024, it employed 101,709 people and generated revenues of €37.6 billion (approximately USD 44 billion).