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Lufthansa does not expect the aviation industry to return to pre-coronavirus levels for “years”.

In a statement on its planned restructuring yesterday, it said “it will take months until the global travel restrictions are completely lifted, and years until the worldwide demand for air travel returns to pre-crisis levels”.

As a result, it is implementing “extensive measures” for the long-term, affecting almost all flight operations across the group.

The company is permanently decommissioning six A380s, seven A340-600s and five 747-400s, and 11 A320s will be withdrawn from short-haul operations.

The A380s were due to be sold to Airbus in 2022, while the additional aircraft will be removed owing to environmental and economic disadvantages, said the carrier.

Lufthansa Cityline will also withdraw three A340-300s, while Eurowings will cut 10 A320s and reduce its long-haul business. Germanwings will be discontinued.

The restructuring will also affect its foreign carriers. It said: “The restructuring programmes already initiated at Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines will be further intensified due to the coronavirus crisis. Among other things, both companies are working on reducing their fleets. Swiss International Air Lines will also adjust its fleet size by delaying deliveries of new short haul aircraft and consider early phase-outs of older aircraft.

“In addition, Lufthansa Group airlines have already terminated almost all wet-lease agreements with other airlines.”

Lufthansa said it aimed to retain as many employees as possible, and was in talks with unions and worker councils on employment models to keep as many jobs as possible.

There has been no information as yet on freighters or any Lufthansa Cargo restructuring.

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