Lufthansa to Hire 10,000 New Employees by 2025
Lufthansa Group to Hire 10,000 New Employees in 2025: A Major Recruitment Push Amid Turnaround Efforts
The Lufthansa Group is set to recruit 10,000 new employees in 2025 as part of its ongoing ‘Turnaround’ efficiency program. This strategic initiative, launched in 2024, aims to rejuvenate the airline group following significant financial setbacks caused by industrial disputes over the past two years. While the upcoming recruitment figure is substantial, it is lower than the 13,000 hires made in 2024.
Lufthansa’s Recruitment Strategy: Focused on Recovery and Growth
The pandemic forced the Lufthansa Group to cut over 30,000 jobs, but the company has been actively rebuilding its workforce. Over the past three years, the group has successfully onboarded 30,000 new employees across its various airlines, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, Brussels Airlines, and soon, ITA Airways.
The 10,000 new positions set to be filled in 2025 will encompass a range of roles across different sectors within the Group. The recruitment plan includes:
- Flight Attendants: 2,000
- Ground Staff: 1,400
- Technicians: 1,300
- Administrative Positions: 1,200
- Pilots: 800
Germany will see the majority of these new hires, with more than half of the recruitment centered there. Additionally, Lufthansa Technik plans to employ over 2,000 people, while Austrian Airlines and Eurowings each seek around 700 new employees.
A Strong Employer Brand Amid Industry Challenges
Michael Niggemann, a Member of the Executive Board at Deutsche Lufthansa AG, emphasized the Group’s commitment to being an attractive employer, stating, “Last year alone, we received 350,000 applications across the Group and recruited over 13,000 employees. We look forward to welcoming every new colleague.” Currently, the Lufthansa Group employs more than 100,000 staff in over 90 countries.
The new hires are crucial for the Group as it implements its ‘Turnaround’ efficiency program, designed to cut costs and streamline operations. This includes phasing out older aircraft from the fleets of its member airlines, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency.
Navigating Challenges: Labor Disputes and Financial Recovery
The airline’s efficiency plan was prompted by multiple labor disputes that adversely affected its operations in 2023 and 2024. High-profile strikes in February and March 2024, alongside industrial actions at Discover Airlines and various German airports, significantly impacted the Lufthansa Group’s financial performance.
Despite these challenges, the Group reported record third-quarter revenues in late 2024, achieving an operating profit of €1.3 billion ($1.34 billion) and transporting over 40 million passengers during that period. However, the core brand, Lufthansa, experienced a 9% profit drop, attributed to rising costs, lower passenger yields, and increasing competition on key routes.
According to a study by the German Economic Institute (IW), the aerospace sector in Germany is among the few industries expected to ramp up hiring in 2025, reinforcing the relevance of the Lufthansa Group’s recruitment plans.
Conclusion: Your Thoughts?
As the Lufthansa Group embarks on this significant recruitment initiative, the airline industry watches closely. What do you think about the Group’s hiring strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our related articles for more insights into the aviation sector.
For further reading, you may find more information at Lufthansa’s Official Site and insights from the German Economic Institute.
