Lufthansa is considering keeping 20 aircraft grounded as a precautionary measure in light of the fallout from the Iran war. At a hastily convened virtual staff meeting on Tuesday afternoon, CEO Carsten Spohr reportedly told employees that the company has tasked its teams with preparing the necessary actions, according to “Handelsblatt” (Wednesday issue).
According to Spohr, this would amount to a 2.5 % reduction in the seats offered to passengers. If the situation worsens, the airline could even suspend about 40 aircraft temporarily. “We want to be prepared early” he said, emphasizing the severe impact of the conflict in the Middle East. The aircraft most likely to be grounded are those already near the end of their expected service life.
While Lufthansa has secured 80 % of its fuel needs against price volatility, rising jet‑fuel prices still drive additional costs of €1.5 billion on the remaining fuel demand. The airline is thus forced to raise ticket prices. “That will affect demand; fewer people will travel” Spohr told “Handelsblatt” (Wednesday issue). “The consequences are greater than we had anticipated” he added in reference to the Middle‑Eastern situation.
