German airline group targets administrative roles as part of cost-cutting and digital transformation strategy
Lufthansa Announces 4,000 Job Cuts by 2030
German airline giant Lufthansa Group has announced plans to cut 4,000 jobs—nearly 4% of its global workforce—by 2030. The layoffs will primarily affect administrative roles in Germany, the company said on Monday, citing economic pressures and the need for greater efficiency.
The move comes amid Germany’s ongoing recession, with unemployment hitting a 10-year high and major corporations across sectors initiating workforce reductions.
Key Details of Lufthansa’s Job Cuts
- Total layoffs: 4,000 jobs by 2030
- Target areas: Mainly administrative (not operational) roles
- Location focus: Germany
- Current workforce: ~103,000 employees
- Brands affected: Lufthansa, Eurowings, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways
“The Lufthansa Group is reviewing which activities will no longer be necessary… due to duplication of work,” the company stated.
Digital Transformation Behind Layoffs
Lufthansa emphasized that automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization are key drivers behind the decision.
“Profound changes brought about by digitalization and the increased use of AI will lead to greater efficiency in many areas and processes,” the airline said.
This reflects a broader trend among European companies, many of which are streamlining operations amid rising costs and tech disruption.
Economic Pressures in Germany
Lufthansa’s move mirrors broader economic challenges in Europe’s largest economy, including:
- Two consecutive years of recession
- Rising energy costs
- Stiff competition from China
- Slow adoption of emerging technologies
Just days earlier, Bosch announced 13,000 global job cuts, underlining the growing strain on German industry.
New Financial Targets for 2028–2030
Despite the cost-cutting, Lufthansa has set ambitious financial goals for the coming years:
- Adjusted operating margin: Targeting 8–10%
- Increased focus on profitability and efficiency across business units
