A wave of change is sweeping through Lufthansa, driven by a force far beyond the airline’s control: the soaring cost of fuel. In a dramatic response to global instability, Lufthansa is making difficult decisions, reshaping its fleet and network in ways not seen in decades.
The first to go are the 27 regional Mitsubishi CRJ900 jets operated by Lufthansa CityLine. These aircraft, vital for connecting smaller cities, are being retired as part of a sweeping effort to reduce capacity and conserve resources. This move alone represents a significant reduction – roughly 120 flights a day – impacting 20,000 short-haul routes through October.
But the changes don’t stop there. Lufthansa is preparing to bid farewell to iconic aircraft steeped in aviation history. The airline’s four remaining Airbus A340-600s, instantly recognizable by their unique downstairs toilets, will be grounded at the end of the summer season. Simultaneously, two of Lufthansa’s last Boeing 747-400s will leave the skies.
The situation is stark. Jet fuel prices have skyrocketed nearly 82% since the end of February, reaching an average of $4.38 per gallon globally, and even higher in Europe at $4.57. This dramatic increase, fueled by geopolitical tensions, is forcing Lufthansa to act decisively, even before other major carriers follow suit.
Lufthansa is strategically consolidating connections through its six major hubs – Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels, Vienna, Zurich, and others. While some routes will be streamlined, others will be bolstered, with increased flights on existing routes operated by partner airlines.
The impact will be felt across Europe. Service to three airports – Bydgoszcz and Rzeszow in Poland, and Stavanger in Norway – is being temporarily suspended. Ten additional cities will lose direct flights to Frankfurt and Munich, with passengers redirected through Brussels, Vienna, and Zurich.
These cities include Cork and Dublin in Ireland, Gdansk and Wroclaw in Poland, Heringsdorf and Stuttgart in Germany, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Rijeka in Croatia, Sibiu in Romania, Tivat in Montenegro, and Trondheim in Norway. The changes represent a painful but necessary recalibration in response to the unprecedented fuel costs.
Despite the cuts, Lufthansa maintains it “expects a largely stable fuel supply” through the summer, addressing concerns about potential shortages in Europe. However, the financial pressure is immense. Fuel expenses have “more than doubled” since the beginning of the crisis, even with 80% of fuel needs hedged.
The retirement of the older, four-engine aircraft – the A340 and 747 – was already planned, initially slated for the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays in the delivery of new Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft temporarily extended their service. Now, the time has come to move forward.
There is a silver lining for passengers. As Lufthansa retires these older planes, a greater proportion of its long-haul fleet will feature the highly anticipated Allegris premium cabins. These new suites promise a significantly enhanced travel experience in first, business, premium economy, and economy classes.
Lufthansa is also investing in upgrading its Airbus A380 fleet with a new business-class product, signaling a commitment to providing a superior experience for those who continue to fly. The airline is navigating a turbulent landscape, making difficult choices to ensure its future in a world grappling with soaring fuel prices and global uncertainty.
