FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - Lufthansa wants to prevent another flight chaos in the summer at its core brand with tighter planning. One is in close contact with all "system partners" to plan the capacities, explained airline CEO Jens Ritter on Thursday evening. For example, the processes at service providers and Lufthansa itself should be functioning and enough and properly trained personnel should be available. "To make sure everything works together, we turn over every stone one by one."

Ritter recalled last year, when erratic growth pushed the industry to its limits. The consequences at German airports were delays and cancellations, as well as long waiting times at baggage claim and security checkpoints, for example. At its Frankfurt hub, Lufthansa had to cut services significantly because not enough airport ground staff were available for deployment.

The manager, who has been in office since April 2022, announced an expanded flight offering compared with the previous year, but did not provide any details. "Our goal is to establish a reliable flight schedule," said the head of the largest airline in the Lufthansa Group. "At present, the air traffic system does not forgive a single mistake. Every grain of sand, no matter how small, makes the gears grate."

"In 2025, we want to achieve record results," Ritter announced. To remain one of the leading Western airlines in the future, he said, Lufthansa's product will be improved along the entire travel chain. In addition to 30,000 new seats and renovated lounges, the revamped Lufthansa app is also expected to contribute. According to the report, passengers will be able to manage rebookings themselves, buy tickets more easily and receive travel information or vouchers more quickly via the more personalized smartphone program. Existing services at counters and via call centers will not be restricted for this purpose, it said./ceb/DP/mis