Lufthansa Group will launch in July 2024 a new airline called City Airlinesa low-cost subsidiary intended to serve a short and medium-haul network in Europe.
City Airlines will begin flight operations in early summer 2024. It was established last year and received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the German Federal Aviation Authority in June. It will operate its flights from Munich and Frankfurt airports and will also offer charter flights for Lufthansa.
City Airlines will operate alongside Lufthansa CityLine, an existing regional subsidiary whose operating costs have long been deemed too expensive by management. Recruitment of City Airlines operational staff will begin in November 2023, with pilots and cabin crew required for launch.
“In order to position City Airlines for the long term, English-speaking pilots are also considered in the recruitment process for cockpit positions. Candidates with prior experience will be preferred during hiring. For group employees wishing to move to City Airlines, offers with voluntary change conditions can be negotiated. This includes in particular the staff of Lufthansa CityLine“, announces Lufthansa Group, ensuring that “negotiations with social partners to agree competitive and secure employment conditions have already started“.
“With City Airlines, we want to create prospects for decades to come and secure sustainable jobs in Germany. This is the only way for us to sustainably develop and strengthen the Munich and Frankfurt hubs.“, says Jens Fehlinger, Managing Director of City Airlines.
“Passengers can expect a Lufthansa customer experience on board City Airlines aircraft“, promises Lufthansa Group. While City Airlines will begin operations with Airbus A319the group’s management is also evaluating the possibility of using Airbus A220 or Embraer aircraft.
