star

Lufthansa reviews UK demand after Brexit, plans no new routes

Lufthansa is examining whether it may need to vary frequencies and aircraft types on UK routes as the pattern of demand shifts following Britain’s decision to quit the EU. While the outcome of the June 23 vote has caused a degree of uncertainty that could lead some businesses to review expansion plans for the UK, the weaker pound may prompt a surge in tourist visits, Heike Birlenbach, VP for European sales, said. “Up until now the UK is always a market where there is lots of international businesses, where they start and develop,” the executive said Thursday. “This is kind of on hold.” The Brexit vote has had no discernible impact on bookings as yet and Lufthansa group carriers have taken no steps to curb U.K capacity, Birlenbach said, though the company doesn’t plan to add any new routes there next year. <br/>

Lufthansa presents new offer to pilot union after failed talks

Lufthansa said it has presented Vereinigung Cockpit a “comprehensive and substantially improved” offer for the approximately 5,400 Lufthansa pilots represented by VC. The offer came following failed talks between the airline and the union last week. Lufthansa Group COO-human resources and legal affairs Bettina Volkens said Thursday: “The offer we have provided makes it possible to reach a comprehensive solution and begin a new cooperation. We want to shape the urgently needed changes to the decades-old labour agreements in cooperation with the union.” Along with a pay rise of 4.4% in 2 stages and a one-time bonus payment, Lufthansa has proposed keeping an early retirement scheme for new employees, provided the average retirement age of its German airline pilots is raised from 59 to 60. <br/>