An innovation in European skies with the creation of City Airlines by Lufthansa
On the memorable date of October 25, 2023, aviation giant Lufthansa announced the birth of a new airline entity, City Airlines, destined to take flight from the summer of 2024. Its vocation is clear: to revitalize the short-haul segment while optimizing costs.
The launch of City Airlines
With the arrival of City Airlines, the German airline hopes to strengthen its presence in the European market, focusing on routes linking the major hubs of Munich and Frankfurt, from which long-haul flights also take off.
Key start-up points :
- Official start of activities: Summer 2024
- Operation hubs: Munich and Frankfurt airports
- Objective: Maximize connectivity on short-haul flights in Europe
Internal competition
City Airlines thus enters into competition with its sister company, the existing Lufthansa CityLine subsidiary, known for its cost model, which is considered to be expensive. Despite this, joint operation of the two subsidiaries is planned.
Recruitment and former Germanwings employees
The recruitment process is already taking shape, with a preference for experienced staff, particularly teams from Lufthansa Cityline. History also seems to be repeating itself for Germanwings staff, who could find new opportunities with this sector birth.
Recruitment stages :
- Starts in November
- Focus on experience
- Potential opportunities for former Germanwings staff
Union reactions and management attitudes
Lufthansa's maneuvers are sure to provoke reactions, particularly with regard to the contractual conditions of future employees. The VC pilots' union has already expressed its mistrust, fearing a deterioration in social benefits. However, Lufthansa has expressed its intention to work with the social partners to establish competitive terms of employment.
| Point of contention | Reaction |
| New contract conditions | Unions on alert |
| Social dialogue | Lufthansa's willingness to negotiate |
The creation of City Airlines marks a new chapter in the history of Lufthansa, and a bold gamble on the future of short-haul air transport. The company's success now rests on its ability to reconcile innovation, profitability and social equity.
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