Lufthansa expands in Europe with launch of City Airlines alongside CityLine

While both airlines handle short-haul flights into Lufthansa's hub cities, their network strategies differ. Lufthansa CityLine serves smaller destinations that do not support mainline jets, while City Airlines focuses on higher-capacity routes with larger Airbus aircraft. Destinations for City Airlines include Birmingham and Bordeaux, with plans for more expansion.

There have been fears from unions that Lufthansa City Airlines could be a cost-cutting move aimed at replacing CityLine, potentially leading to labor disputes and operational impacts. Lufthansa's dual strategy aims to compete against low-cost carriers while optimizing its feeder network, but it must address labor issues to avoid risking its service quality and employee morale.

Lufthansa's European strategy with these two airlines reflects its aim to balance cost-efficiency with service quality. The outcome of labor discussions and the success of the City Airlines model will significantly influence Lufthansa's short-haul market presence in Europe. Travelers should note which airline operates their booked flight, as CityLine tends to use smaller jets for regional travel, while City Airlines employs larger Airbus planes.