Lufthansa accelerates fleet cuts, winds down CityLine operations

Lufthansa has brought forward plans to scale back its regional operations and reduce its overall fleet, as the German airline grapples with rising fuel costs and ongoing industrial action by pilots.

The carrier has decided to accelerate the restructuring of its Lufthansa CityLine subsidiary, which will see a significant reduction in activity earlier than previously scheduled, German media reports.

As part of the move, 27 CityLine aircraft will be withdrawn from service as early as April 18. The airline had originally planned to fully phase out the unit by 2028.

Lufthansa said the faster restructuring is intended to reduce losses and improve operational efficiency. It also confirmed plans to downsize parts of its long-haul and regional fleet over the coming seasons.

At the same time, the group intends to shift resources towards its more profitable subsidiary, Discover Airlines, which is set to expand its fleet, including the addition of Airbus A350 aircraft.

The changes come amid a prolonged dispute with the pilots’ union, Vereinigung Cockpit, over pension arrangements, which has contributed to continued labour tensions within the company.