Eurowings weighs winter short-time work as fuel costs climb
The airline is considering reduced working hours and cutting flights as higher kerosene prices add pressure to its costs.
Key takeaways
- Eurowings is discussing possible winter short-time work with Germany’s Federal Employment Agency.
- The airline plans to reduce its winter schedule by about 5%.
- Management says kerosene costs are nearly €250 million above plan this year.
Eurowings is considering short-time work for employees this winter and will cut flights, as higher kerosene prices raise costs. The Lufthansa subsidiary said it is already talking with Germany’s Federal Employment Agency.
The airline has not said how many employees could be affected. It informed staff of the possibility in writing this week, according to tagesschau.
Management said in a letter that the company faces nearly €250 million in additional kerosene costs this year compared with its plan. It expects the gap between revenue and expenses to widen during the traditionally difficult winter months.
Eurowings is canceling its newly launched routes from Cologne and Stuttgart to Dubai. It expects other cuts to affect individual flights rather than entire routes, and plans to reduce its winter schedule by about 5%.
The union ver.di wants a say in any short-time work arrangements and says employment agency payments should be topped up if needed. Eurowings is also canceling an internal Christmas party and plans to cut about 100 administrative jobs by the end of 2028.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
