Issue 3/2019

Dear Readers of the Lufthansa Policy Brief,

How can air traffic continue to be a global economic engine in the future, one that brings people, cultures and continents together – while, at the same time, is less of a burden on the climate and the environment?

At the first National Aviation Conference held in Leipzig in mid-August, politicians, trade unions and the aviation industry resolved various key points with regard to this issue. Three aspects are of particular importance. Firstly, the Federal Government intends to put the issue of the Single European Sky on the agenda of its presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2020. Successful implementing a Single European Sky would not only create more capacity and so more reliability and punctuality in air traffic, it would also make a significant contribution to climate protection. Optimised routing could reduce CO₂ emissions from European air traffic by up to ten per cent.

Secondly, innovation should be promoted. The project of a joint roadmap for CO₂ -neutral power-to-liquid (PtL) fuels carried out by the spheres of industry and politics should be implemented quickly. Thirdly, the policy aims to strengthen international climate protection instruments such as EU emissions trading and the global compensation system CORSIA. These are the right approaches to take, particularly with regard to globally organised air traffic.

The industry, for its part, is called upon to make flying increasingly environmentally friendly. The Lufthansa Group assumes responsibility with numerous projects and measures. Our most important contribution: every year we invest billions of euros in new, fuel-efficient aircraft that emit up to a quarter less CO₂ than their predecessors. On average, the Lufthansa Group will receive a new aircraft every two weeks over the next ten years.

We depend on constructive political support, so that we can continue to invest so vigorously. As a globally active company, we need internationally coordinated solutions that take account of global competition.

In our current Policy Brief we are happy to inform you about these and other topics.

Contents

Flying sustainably

Lufthansa assumes Responsibility

Nowadays it is no longer possible to imagine a world without flying – we bring together people, cultures, continents and economic regions. Air travel is a symbol of intercultural understanding and of prosperity. To this extent, aviation – without exaggeration – is of great significance for a peaceful world.

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Effective climate protection

In Air traffic, this only works internationally

They do exist – flight tickets for less than 10 euros. Irrational prices that are irresponsible in ecological, economic and political terms. Tickets for only 10 euros make the industry a target for potential criticism. As a result of low pricing incentives, the airspace is already oversubscribed. The artificially-generated demand that is created by such prices also fills up our airspace unnecessarily.  Lufthansa has chosen a different path. We prefer to aim at qualitative and responsible growth. 

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CO₂ offsetting

We are promoting climate-friendly travel

If you travel, you will inevitably create CO₂ emissions. This is also the case for air travel. In order to balance out the effect that this has on the climate, the Lufthansa Group is offering new ways of actively supporting climate protection in addition to the options already available. 

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Corporate strategy

Focus on core business

The Lufthansa Group has a broad base. It comprises airlines, Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa Technik, as well as a catering company, the LSG Group. In view of the growing challenges facing the Lufthansa Group, the decision has been made to sell the LSG Group. It is completely understandable that this strategically necessary decision has led to questions being raised in the public sphere and initially caused a good deal of worry amongst employees. The senior management are aware of this and are approaching the sale process with great care and with a clear sense of their responsibility. ...more

Guest article

Use noise-related fees reasonable

 “Noise-related charges became established in Germany as early as the 1970s. The corresponding noise-related surcharges are intended to give airlines an incentive to use aircraft that are as quiet as possible. The principle is straight-forward: the louder the model of aircraft, the higher the charges the airline has to pay. This is intended to provide some relief from aircraft noise for the residents living near airports. Our airports are worldwide pioneers in this field.

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Lounge

Water for big plans

These school pupils have big plans. Many want to go to university when they leave school to train to become teachers, doctors or engineers. Yet it is a difficult path to get there. They live in Uganda, one of the world‘s poorest countries. At the Divine Mercy High School in Kyotera, the 300 pupils – of which around 80 percent board at the school as they live so far away – share six toilets. And water is a scarce commodity. The well frequently dries up. If they are thirsty, they often have to walk to the public water taps to buy water. We want to change this situation.  ...more

Telegram

Topic overview

Price comparison: Flying more expensive than traveling by train

Medical treatment: 

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