Lufthansa Group Airlines to Operate More Closely as One Network

The Lufthansa Group has announced a major restructuring initiative to unify its hub airlines—Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines—under a more integrated operating model, effective January 1, 2026. The move will enhance cooperation across the group in functions such as finance, technology, HR, and operations, aiming to increase profitability and efficiency while strengthening the group's market position.

 

Key elements of the plan include centralized control of network management for short- and medium-haul flights, a model already used successfully for long-haul routes. Passengers using multiple Lufthansa Group airlines will benefit from a more harmonized and coordinated experience, especially in loyalty programs and digital services.

Despite the integration, individual airlines will retain full control over customer-facing services such as inflight experience, lounges, and catering. Flight operations and ground services will also remain independently managed by each airline.

Governance will be handled through four new “Group Function Boards” (Hub Steering, Technology, HR, and Finance), composed of airline and group representatives, with a focus on collaboration and transparency.

As part of the digital transformation, Lufthansa Group will consolidate IT and innovation functions under CTO Grazia Vittadini. The initiative brings together the ‘Digital Hangar’ and ‘Innovation & Tech Factory’ teams to centralize tech capabilities across operations, customer experience, and commercial areas.