Lufthansa to start asset disposal programme with Airplus sale in summer: sources

Lufthansa is planning to launch an asset disposal programme as early as summer with the sale of its E1b Airplus unit as the German carrier seeks to raise cash to emerge from a government bailout, people close to the matter said. Lufthansa is working with Goldman Sachs on the divestiture of the business travel expenses manager, the sources said, adding that the summer timing of the auction will depend on bookings picking up after lockdown restrictions ease. CFO Remco Steenbergen said last week that Lufthansa will evaluate strategic options for Airplus and the international business of its caterer LSG once it is able to realise the full value of these businesses. Lufthansa is also considering a listing or stake sale of maintenance unit Lufthansa Technik, Steenbergen said, adding that a such deal would be complex as it would need to ensure Lufthansa's continued access to know-how and intellectual property and not have negative repercussions on relationships with customers.<br/>