There is currently a lot going on at Europe’s largest airline group.
(Photo: imago images/HMB Media)
No sooner has the state said goodbye to Lufthansa, no sooner has Lufthansa thrown off the last shackles that were associated with the state rescue, than the “Hansa” is in full swing. First, major shareholder Klaus-Michael Kühne continues to increase and will probably soon get a seat on the group’s supervisory board. Then the management starts the partial sale of Lufthansa Technik. There is currently a lot of activity in the corridors of the Lufthansa headquarters at Frankfurt Airport.
It may sound strange after the summer chaos with massive delays and flight cancellations has been halfway survived – but the unrest will do Europe’s largest airline group good. The balance of power is shifting in global aviation, and the looming recession is likely to further drive consolidation. Airlines in particular that had problems before the outbreak of the corona virus and only survived the pandemic with the help of state funds could disappear.
At the same time, the strict climate requirements of the EU will put a heavy strain on the industry. Despite all the green technologies of the future, flying is bad for the climate and it will take a long time to change that. A daunting task awaits the airline managers.
In view of these challenges, Lufthansa can really use a breath of fresh air from outside. The Lufthansa executives now have to use it too – regardless of whether the external expertise comes in involuntarily, as when Kühne joined the company, or whether it is brought in deliberately, as in the case of the partial sale of the technology.
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Because the managers at Lufthansa sometimes tend to deal too much with themselves and internal issues. The outside view is sometimes lost.
It may be uncomfortable to have to face the questions of a major shareholder on a regular basis in the future. It can also become uncomfortable when a financial investor clearly expresses his ideas for Lufthansa Technik. It is understandable that employee representatives are concerned.
But a broader view and an open discussion of topics will not harm Lufthansa. This not only benefits the shareholders, but also the company, which is better equipped for the future – and ultimately also the employees.
More: Lufthansa is serious about selling part of the technology