Lufthansa to cut 4,000 roles by 2030 as AI-led restructuring targets 8-10% margins by 2028

Lufthansa to cut 4,000 roles by 2030 as AI, automation and digitization reshape the business

Lufthansa plans to remove 4,000 FTE roles by 2030, primarily in admin functions, as part of a broader shift to digitization, AI and automation aimed at boosting efficiency and margins.

• 4,000 FTE reductions worldwide, with the majority at its home base in Germany
• Focus: remove duplicate work, streamline processes and lean on AI-driven workflows
• Targeted outcomes: 8%-10% adjusted operating margin from 2028 and >€2.5B annual adjusted free cash flow

What's changing

Lufthansa said it is reviewing activities that are no longer necessary, especially where duplication exists. The company noted, "The increased use of artificial intelligence will lead to greater efficiency in many areas and processes."

The job cuts are tied to a multi-year restructuring strategy that prioritizes digital systems and automation. Most reductions will hit administrative roles, with Germany seeing the largest share.

Why it matters for HR, IT and Development

This is a clear signal: process-heavy support work is shifting to software and AI-assisted workflows. The opportunity sits in rethinking processes, retraining teams and replatforming tools - not just taking headcount out.

• HR: build a skills inventory fast; decide who can be upskilled vs. redeployed; define fair selection and support for exits
• IT: map systems with duplicate steps; prioritize automation with audit trails, access controls and data quality checkpoints
• Developers: target repetitive, rules-based tasks for automation first; measure gains with SLAs and cycle-time metrics

Signals from across the market

Lufthansa joins a growing set of firms citing AI in restructuring plans. Klarna's CEO said AI contributed to a roughly 40% headcount reduction, from about 5,000 to near 3,000.

Salesforce trimmed 4,000 customer support roles and reweighted work with AI. "I've reduced it from 9,000 heads to about 5,000, because I need less heads," CEO Marc Benioff said.

Accenture's CEO Julie Sweet said the company is investing in upskilling "reinventors," while exiting people for whom reskilling isn't a viable path on a tightened timeline.

Financial outlook and market reaction

Lufthansa shares were up 0.9% at the time of the announcement, and the stock is up 25% year-to-date. UBS called the company's new long-term targets "positively" above market expectations.

The company missed 2024 profitability goals amid strikes, global price pressure and aircraft delays. EBIT fell 39% to €1.65B, and operating margin landed at 4.4%, below the 8% strategic goal.

Execution watchlist

• Process selection: prioritize high-volume, rules-based work with measurable outcomes
• Data readiness: clean inputs, clear data ownership and auditability for AI-assisted tasks
• Change management: manager training, comms cadence and support for affected teams
• Controls: risk assessments, access policies, bias testing and incident response plans
• Vendor mix: avoid tool sprawl; standardize on a small set of platforms with strong governance

Practical next steps

• Run a 90-day process inventory: rank by volume, cycle time and error rate
• Pilot automations on 2-3 workflows with clear baselines; expand only after hitting agreed thresholds
• Set role transition paths: analysts to automation ops, support to AI-assisted service, PMs to product ops
• Define metrics: cost per transaction, SLA adherence, queue time, rework rate, customer satisfaction
• Establish governance: model usage policy, human-in-the-loop checkpoints and periodic reviews

For Lufthansa's official communications, see the company's newsroom and investor updates: Lufthansa Group Newsroom.

Upskilling resources

If your team needs structured paths for AI, automation and data-driven roles, explore focused learning tracks and certifications:

• AI courses by job role
• Popular AI certifications