Lufthansa to Slash 4,000 Jobs by 2030 as AI Reshapes Airline Operations
Lufthansa announced on Monday that it will cut 4,000 jobs worldwide by 2030 as part of a major restructuring plan that leans heavily on artificial intelligence to boost efficiency and profitability.
The airline group said most of the reductions will target administrative roles, particularly in Germany, as the company streamlines overlapping tasks and embraces digital transformation. Lufthansa noted that automation and AI are driving “fundamental changes” that make many traditional roles unnecessary.
The German carrier now joins a growing list of global firms restructuring around AI. Payments giant Klarna cut 40% of its workforce after integrating AI into its operations, while Salesforce reduced thousands of customer support positions citing similar efficiencies. Consulting firm Accenture also announced plans to phase out staff unable to transition to AI-powered workflows.
Despite the looming cuts, Lufthansa’s stock rose 0.9% on Monday and is up 25% year-to-date. The airline also unveiled new long-term targets, projecting adjusted operating margins of 8–10% by 2028, up from its previous goal of 8%, alongside annual free cash flow exceeding €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion).
The restructuring comes after a tough 2024, when staff strikes, intense global competition, and aircraft delivery delays dragged down results. Lufthansa’s EBIT fell 39% to €1.65 billion, with its operating margin slipping to 4.4%—well below its 8% strategic target. Analysts said the new profitability outlook is stronger than expected and could restore investor confidence in the years ahead.
