Lufthansa's Q3 Profit Decline: Core Brand Challenges and Turnaround Efforts

Lufthansa, the German airline giant, reported a 9% decline in its Q3 profit, highlighting the challenges faced by its core brand. The company attributed this decline to intense competition, rising costs, and aircraft delivery delays. This article explores the factors contributing to Lufthansa's profit decline and the strategies it is implementing to mitigate these challenges.

Lufthansa's core brand, Lufthansa Airlines, has been grappling with low yields, intense competition from international airlines, and spiraling costs. The company reported a 234-million-euro decline in the result of its core brand, driven by these factors. To address these challenges, Lufthansa has launched a turnaround program aimed at recovering its earnings by 2026. The measures are expected to have a gross effect on operating profit of around 1.5 billion euros.

Aircraft delivery delays and maintenance costs have also weighed on Lufthansa's core brand. The company has faced challenges in fleet management due to delayed aircraft deliveries, which have driven up repair costs for older planes. Additionally, wages have risen for staff in Germany after strikes that cost the group 100 million euros in second-quarter earnings.

Lufthansa's core brand has also responded to changes in consumer behavior and market demand. The company has witnessed a normalisation of ticket prices, reflecting a particular price sensitivity among European consumers. To adapt to this shift, Lufthansa is focusing on expanding its offering and growing on long-haul routes, while also devoting energy to further expanding its premium customer offers and ensuring punctual and reliable flight operations.

In conclusion, Lufthansa's 9% decline in Q3 profit reflects the challenges faced by its core brand in the face of intense competition, rising costs, and aircraft delivery delays. The company is implementing a turnaround program to address these issues and mitigate their impact on profitability. As Lufthansa continues to adapt to changes in consumer behavior and market demand, it remains committed to ensuring punctual and reliable flight operations and expanding its premium customer offers.