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Given the increase in fuel costs, Lufthansa has decided to accelerate the process of withdrawal of the Airbus A340-600 and its fleet of aircraft CRJ. Photo Lufthansa
In a drastic response to geopolitical instability and the increase in operating costs, the Grupo Lufthansa has announced a package of capacity measures that marks the definitive end of one of its most iconic long-haul models and the cessation of operations of its regional subsidiary Lufthansa CityLine.
The decision, driven by a price of kerosene that has doubled after the conflict in Iran and growing pressures over labor disputes, seeks to shield the group's competitiveness through accelerated fleet modernization and simplification of its sub-fleets.
The final goodbye to the Airbus A340-600 and CRJ
For aviation enthusiasts and industry analysts, The most significant announcement is the total withdrawal of the last four Airbus A340-600 at the end of the summer flight program, in october 2026.
This move closes a historic chapter for the German airline, which for decades was committed to the versatility of this four-engine. Nevertheless, in the current context of high volatility in fuel prices, The operational inefficiency of this model compared to the new generation twin engines has precipitated its departure.
next to them, From Boeing 747-400 They will be put ashore on the same date, with the aim of retiring the model completely next year.
Lufthansa CityLine: Immediate departure of the Canadair CRJ
The restructuring affects the regional segment more severely. Immediately and permanently, the ability to Lufthansa CityLine will be withdrawn from the flight program. The 27 canadair planes CRJ, that make up the core of this subsidiary's short-range operations, They will stop flying starting the day after tomorrow.
According to the official statement, These aircraft are near the end of their technical operational life and have maintenance costs and combustible comparatively high. This measure represents a painful but "inevitable" step for the company, that seeks to consolidate its short and medium-haul traffic under more efficient platforms such as Lufthansa City Airlines.
Till Streichert, CFO of Grupo Lufthansa, has stressed that this package is essential to mitigate the impact of the 20% of fuel consumption that does not have financial coverage and that must be purchased at significantly inflated market prices.
«The objective is to focus our short and medium-haul platforms more clearly to make them more competitive», Streichert noted..
As part of this renewal strategy, The group also confirmed:
- Allocation of nine additional Airbus A350-900s to Discover Airlines to strengthen efficient long haul.
- Reduction of 4,000 administrative positions for the year 2030.
- Consolidation of six strategic hubs to optimize the European route network.
Impact on staff
Regarding the future of CityLine employees, the group has initiated transition plans. Ground staff has been integrated into Lufthansa Aviation GmbH, while technical and cabin crews have received offers to join Lufthansa City Airlines under compensatory conditions, seeking to retain talent within the German holding company.
This maneuver reaffirms the global trend of the industry: the elimination of less efficient fleets and the consolidation of operations under lighter cost structures in the face of an uncertain macroeconomic outlook.
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