Lufthansa Group Announces Recruitment and Efficiency Measures
The Lufthansa Group, a prominent airline conglomerate, has declared its intention to hire 10,000 new employees in 2025. This initiative is part of the group’s ongoing ‘Turnaround’ efficiency program, launched in 2024 to recover from financial setbacks caused by industrial disputes in the previous years. The recruitment plan, although robust, marks a decrease from the 13,000 new hires in 2024, reflecting a strategic adjustment rather than a reduction in growth pace.
The ‘Turnaround’ program is not just a hiring spree; it is a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and financial health. This includes optimizing flight operations and phasing out older aircraft to make way for newer, more efficient models. The Group has made significant strides, as evidenced by the highest-ever third-quarter revenues recorded in late 2024, with an operating profit of €1.3 billion and over 40 million passengers served during the period.
Despite these impressive figures, Lufthansa, the Group’s flagship carrier, experienced a 9% drop in profits. This has been attributed to increased operational costs, lower passenger yields, and heightened competition on several critical routes. In response, the Group is doubling down on its efficiency measures, which are expected to bolster the financial standing and competitive edge of the airlines under its umbrella.
Recruitment Focus Areas and Job Opportunities
The recruitment drive spans several key areas of operation within the Group. The plan includes hiring over 2,000 flight attendants, 1,400 ground staff, and approximately 1,300 technicians. Additionally, about 1,200 roles are designated for administrative functions, complemented by the recruitment of around 800 pilots. This strategic distribution of roles underscores the Group’s effort to fortify all aspects of its operations, from in-flight service and ground operations to technical maintenance and administrative efficiency.
Germany will host more than half of the new positions, reflecting the Group’s commitment to reinforcing its home base operations. Meanwhile, Lufthansa Technik is set to expand significantly, with plans to recruit over 2,000 employees. Subsidiaries such as Austrian Airlines and Eurowings are not far behind, each aiming to bolster their workforce by approximately 700 employees in anticipation of expanded operations and enhanced service delivery in 2025.
Michael Niggemann, a key executive at Lufthansa AG responsible for Human Resources & Legal Affairs, highlighted the attractiveness of the Group as an employer. “Last year alone, we received 350,000 applications across the Group and recruited over 13,000 employees,” he stated. This level of interest demonstrates the Group’s robust employer brand, which offers a variety of job profiles and career paths within the aviation industry.
Future Outlook and Industry Position
With the aerospace sector in Germany poised for increased hiring in 2025, as per findings by the German Economic Institute, Lufthansa Group is well-positioned to lead the charge. The strategic expansion and recruitment are aligned with broader industry trends and economic forecasts, setting the stage for a resilient and dynamic future for the Group.
In conclusion, the Lufthansa Group’s strategic initiatives, including the substantial recruitment drive and the comprehensive efficiency program, are set to significantly enhance its operational capabilities and market position. As the Group integrates ITA Airways and continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, its focus on efficiency and strategic growth is expected to yield substantial benefits for its stakeholders and for the broader aviation industry.