Aviation firm cites automation, AI as enabling the reductions
Aviation firm Lufthansa Group will layoff 4,000 employees by 2030 amid "profound changes" from digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
Lufthansa announced that the cuts will impact administrative roles worldwide, the majority of which are in Germany.
"The Lufthansa Group plans to cut a total of around 4,000 jobs worldwide by 2030, the majority of which will be in Germany," the aviation firm said in a statement.
"This will be done in consultation with the social partners. The focus will be on administrative rather than operational roles."
Lufthansa has 101,709 employees as of December 2024, according to its website. It will review which activities will no longer be necessary in the future due to duplication of work.
"In particular, the profound changes brought about by digitalisation and the increased use of artificial intelligence will lead to greater efficiency in many areas and processes," the company said.
Impact of automation on workforce
The retrenchments come as the company introduces artificial intelligence in its workflows.
"Digitalisation, AI, automation, and bundling of processes within the group enable FTE reduction," its Capital Markets Day presentation read.
The company has already introduced agentic AI in its Marketing teams, according to the presentation. It is one of the cost initiatives present in the company.
Lufthansa adds to the growing number of organisations citing automation and AI in their workforce reductions.
Despite the layoffs, Lufthansa said it is still expecting to add more than 230 new aircraft by 2030, including 100 long-haul aircraft.
