99 percent of flights according to plan: Lufthansa makes promises to summer vacationers

99 percent of flights according to plan
Lufthansa makes promises to summer vacationers

Lufthansa’s already slimmed-down program has meanwhile been thinned out again by a ground staff strike. The airline promises that almost all other flights in the summer will take place according to plan – the next strike could happen soon.

After the airport chaos of the past few weeks, Lufthansa gives travelers hope for a regular flight schedule for the rest of the summer. “This summer, 99 percent of all Lufthansa Group holiday flights and 95 percent of the entire flight program can take place,” said the head of the Lufthansa hub in Munich, Stefan Kreuzpaintner, of the “Augsburger Allgemeine”. “All partners know that they now have to do everything to ensure stable air traffic.”

The airline recently canceled thousands of flights due to staff shortages. On Wednesday, a warning strike by ground staff also led to massive disabilities. “Each flight cancellation is one too many for our guests,” said Kreuzpaintner of the “Augsburger Allgemeine”. “But with the current flight plan adjustments, we are creating stability.”

At the same time, the Lufthansa manager predicted rising ticket prices for the coming months. “The price development of kerosene is a major cost driver for all airlines. Unfortunately, we cannot avoid passing this price increase on to customers.”

Pilot strike imminent?

However, Kreuzpaintner said there could be no question of the additional costs being passed on completely to the passengers. “The market sets the price. And it is characterized by strong competition, which only allows for a price increase to a limited extent.”

However, Lufthansa is threatened with new trouble: The pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit has its members vote on a possible labor dispute. “Personally, I assume that the approval will be there,” said union spokesman Matthias Baier when asked. Air traffic had just returned to normal after the end of the ground staff strike.

The result of the ballot by the Cockpit Association should be available on Sunday. “Unfortunately, nothing has happened in the previous six collective bargaining rounds,” Baier said. The Cockpit Association is therefore demanding a salary increase of 5.5 percent for 2022, automatic inflation compensation and an adjustment to the tariff structure.

Even if the pilots agree to a labor dispute, there will not be an immediate strike, Baier emphasized that both sides are willing to talk. “In the end there will be a result of the negotiations – the only question is whether a labor dispute will be necessary before that or not.”

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