Policy Brief 2/2017

Dear readers of the Lufthansa Policy Brief,

The release of the aviation concept has seen the German Federal Ministry of Transport publish the long awaited list of measures designed to strengthen German aviation. The Lufthansa Group believes this is a high benchmark for the incoming federal government. But it must also be capitalized on. One of the most important reasons for this is the fact that the German aviation industry once again needs growth-promoting framework conditions in order to secure the many thousands of jobs at responsible airlines, such as the Lufthansa Group, and airports over the long term.

It is of course also up to the airlines to be successful in the worldwide competition by offering attractive services. In view of this, Lufthansa has declared 2017 as the year of digitalization. Throughout the course of the year, the company will be enabling broadband Internet on 180 short-haul and medium-haul aircraft. Since the start of the month, around 20,000 flight attendants have been given iPad Minis to ensure an even better travel experience for customers. We are also using new digital features for this edition of the Policy Brief: All topics are provided on a microsite, including additional multimedia information. The site is also optimized for mobile devices.

The new Policy Brief will be updating you on these and other topics.

Yours sincerely

Contents

Lead

Aviation concept

A high benchmark for the incoming federal government 

Federal Transport Minister Dobrindt has now released the aviation concept, following years of discussion. The Lufthansa Group, with its 128,500 employees and around 110 million passengers in 2016, believes this is a blueprint for sustainable aviation made in Germany – and therefore a high strategic benchmark for the incoming federal government. ...more

Location

Frankfurt: 

Working together to restore the hub’s leading position 

Frankfurt Airport has been experiencing below-average growth for years. There are two main reasons for this: Growth-inhibiting framework conditions and a lacking joint strategy between the Lufthansa Group, as main customer, and airport operator Fraport. The much heralded system partnership must be revived with new ideas and clear commitment from all parties involved. ...more

Location

Lufthansa:

Good jobs for Germany

Issues of social responsibility are on every political agenda around the world. As such, the EU Commission presented its pillars of social law at the end of April. These focus on equal opportunity, fair working conditions and social protection – issues which also characterize the social market economy. The Lufthansa Group, which this year has welcomed over 3,000 new employees, has always engaged in this debate, and takes social responsibility – something which is not a given in global aviation. ...more

Location

Europe under pressure: 

The aviation industry campaigns for a strong EU

Thomas Kropp, Head of Group Policy, Lufthansa Group: 

“While the worst fears of nationalistic flare-ups did not come true in the recent Austrian, French and Dutch elections, the clear intensification of anti-EU populists in large parts of Europe and the world is alarming. European unification has also been jeopardized by political ruptures like Brexit. The Lufthansa Group, which operates 3,000 flights within Europe every day, and carries Europe in its heart with companies such as Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines and Air Dolomiti, believes it is time to remind people of the peace and wealth-promoting effects of a unified Europe. As such, we are taking action with several leading companies as part of the ‘We’re for Europe’ business initiative. And are supporting the call from Europe’s aviation associations to keep strengthening the EU – because, after the radical Brexit, we need Europe more than ever in the remaining 27 EU member states.” ...more

Analyses

Dubai: 

Crowding out to continue

The mega growth recorded by certain state carriers from the Gulf and Turkey is currently slowing down. Emirates recently reduced its routes to the USA. But this is not a change in strategy; Dubai continues to unashamedly focus on crowding out. ...more

News

Topic overview

Aircraft sponsorship:

Climate protection: Reducing CO₂ emissions with big data

Internet above the clouds:
Around 70 short and medium-haul aircraft already equipped

Aircraft Noise Protection Act: No changes needed

...more