This is an internal Lufthansa in the hands of the business daily 'Handelsblatt'. The paper refers to a complete reorganisation of the Group's corporate structure. According to 'Handelsblatt', the beginning of 2026 should mark a mini-revolution. The head office in Frankfurt will take on more responsibilities. At the same time, the various subsidiaries, such as Swiss, should cede power to the Group's management.
In the future, according to the report, central Group Function Boards would be responsible for decisions on finance, personnel, technology and major hubs. The brands Austrian, Brussels Airlines and Swiss would essentially retain responsibility for the in-flight product, such as catering. Network planning, flight coordination, distribution and frequent flyer programmes would all come under the Lufthansa umbrella.
The German company explains that this transformation should lead to improvements in the organisational structure and decision-making processes. And above all, improve the Group's financial profitability and, incidentally, the group's efficiency towards its passengers. Called "Matrix Next Level", the new structure will give a voice to the group's various airline subsidiaries in all decision-making processes. In future, the Board of Directors will be represented on all committees where global decisions concerning the airlines are taken.
However, the Lufthansa Group has not yet commented on the details. If a decision is taken in this direction, the details will be made public in September..
The rationalisation of the Group's structures, which is totally understandable from an economic point of view, could however come up against national sensitivities.
Austrian Airlines positive, Swiss less enthusiastic
Austrian Airlines has already expressed its views on this transformation. Her assessment of this change is positive. " Ihere can be no question of weakening the subsidiaries, was keen to reassure AUA spokeswoman Barbara Greul. It's not a question of losing influence, but of better coordination - always with the participation of Austrian's Board of Directors", she added.
Overall, Austrian expects faster and more efficient decision-making within the group.
For Swissthe reorientation would have a particular significance. The airline is seen as a central part of the group. It makes a significant contribution to its profits.
In a statement to the Swiss financial news agency AWP, Swiss emphasised that it " It is essential that Swiss remains "a strong airline" and can continue to decide on its product range.. We will be represented on all the relevant bodies and we will be actively involved.the statement said.
Swiss has in fact highlighted the advantages that its integration has already brought it. In particular network planning or the development of the new long-haul cabin. Thanks to synergies, the airline can invest around one billion francs a year - a volume that would be difficult to achieve on its own, it was reported. "Swiss needs the Lufthansa Group - and the Lufthansa Group needs Swiss," a spokesman explained.
Nevertheless, public opinion seems more reticent about this change. The populist Swiss daily Blick ran a front-page story on the "Germanisation" of Swiss. In fact, thehe memory of a powerful and independent Swissair still lingers in the Swiss psyche, almost 25 years after its disappearance...
