Lufthansa Group has announced major organizational changes that will, from 2026, limit the autonomy of its subsidiary carriers. The plan to centralize process and financial management will cover Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines, with certain decisions to be made at Group level rather than exclusively within the airlines themselves. The news was published on September 12, 2025, as reported by AeroTime News.
According to the announcement, each carrier will still retain freedom of decision-making in areas directly visible to passengers – such as cabin products, lounge services, catering and customer care. The same applies to the operational management of flights, which remains under the responsibility of each airline. However, in areas not directly noticed by passengers, Lufthansa Group intends to introduce much closer integration, similar to the way the joint loyalty program has been functioning for years.
One of the key changes relates to network planning. Instead of each airline independently managing short- and medium-haul routes, from 2026 this will be coordinated centrally for all hub carriers. This model of joint management is already established on long-haul routes, and Lufthansa believes the same approach will deliver greater efficiency and profitability.
The new system will operate through so-called Group Function Boards – joint bodies bringing together representatives of the airlines and central Group functions. There will be four in total: Hub Steering, Technology, HR and Finance. Decisions will thus be made transparently, with discussions led by members of Lufthansa Group’s Executive Board responsible for each area.
A special emphasis has also been placed on digitalization. All IT processes and innovations will be consolidated within the Technology, IT & Innovation department under Chief Technology Officer Grazia Vittadini. In addition, the existing Digital Hangar will be transferred to the new Innovation & Tech Factory, aiming to create centralized expertise in operations, customer relations and commercial activities.
As highlighted by AeroTime News, the changes are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Lufthansa Group stresses that the goal is to bring its airlines closer together – and closer to the market – with a focus on increased profitability and more efficient use of resources.
