Lufthansa to Close CityLine as Regional Brand Disappears

German airline Lufthansa has announced the termination of its regional brand, CityLine, as part of a larger restructuring strategy. This decision, while planned for the long term, has been expedited due to ongoing labour disputes and surging oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Lufthansa’s recent statement indicated that CityLine has been consistently unprofitable. By withdrawing the regional subsidiary’s aircraft, particularly those nearing retirement, the airline aims to mitigate further financial losses. Employees affected by this transition will be offered positions within the broader Lufthansa Group.

The closure of CityLine marks the end of an era dating back to 1958, when its predecessor, Ostfriesische Lufttaxi, was established. Lufthansa noted that CityLine’s CRJ aircraft are approaching the limits of their operational capacity and incur high operating costs. Chief Financial Officer Till Streichert described the decision as “painful,” emphasising the necessity of securing alternative employment for affected personnel.

While the discontinuation of the CityLine brand was anticipated, the timeline has shifted due to intensified external pressures, including ongoing conflicts and internal labour challenges. Streichert confirmed that the plan had always been part of Lufthansa’s strategic vision, yet the current climate has prompted immediate action.

In light of these changes, Lufthansa has been proactively assisting CityLine staff in transitioning to new roles within the group. For example, former ground personnel have been integrated into a new division, Lufthansa Aviation GmbH. Meanwhile, flight crews have been offered opportunities with Lufthansa’s City Airlines.

This restructuring is not limited to CityLine; the Lufthansa Group will also phase out its Airbus A340-600 aircraft and two Boeing 747-400 jets by the end of the summer flight schedule. Future capacity reductions will see additional aircraft removed from its operations in the upcoming winter season.

How much do you know?

What regional brand has Lufthansa announced the termination of?

CityLine

Air Berlin

Germanwings

Eurowings

What has prompted Lufthansa to expedite the termination of CityLine?

Increased passenger demand

New aircraft acquisition

Labour disputes and surging oil prices

Expansion to new regions

When was the predecessor of CityLine, Ostfriesische Lufttaxi, established?

1950

1955

1958

1960

What type of aircraft is CityLine's fleet primarily comprised of?

Boeing 737

CRJ aircraft

Airbus A320

Embraer E175

Who is the Chief Financial Officer of Lufthansa mentioned in the announcement?

Martin Schmitt

Till Streichert

Anna Müller

Karsten Schneider

Which aircraft model will also be phased out by the Lufthansa Group besides CityLine?

Airbus A380

Boeing 767

Airbus A340-600

Boeing 737 MAX

CityLine has been profitable for Lufthansa in recent years.

True False

The termination of CityLine was part of a long-term strategy.

True False

Lufthansa will not provide any job assistance to the affected CityLine employees.

True False

The closure of CityLine is a result of external pressures and internal labour challenges.

True False

Lufthansa Aviation GmbH is a new division for integrating flight crews.

True False

The decision to close CityLine was made quickly due to immediate financial losses.

True False

CityLine has been consistently unprofitable, leading to its .

The predecessor of CityLine, Ostfriesische Lufttaxi, was established in .

Lufthansa plans to phase out its Airbus A340-600 and two Boeing 747-400 jets by the end of the .

Employees affected by the transition will be offered positions within the broader Group.

The necessary actions regarding CityLine have been expedited due to surging oil prices and disputes.

Staff were offered opportunities in Lufthansa's Airlines as part of the restructuring.

This question is required