Ahram Online (AO): How do you assess the future of the aviation industry in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East amid geopolitical tensions?
Carsten Spohr (CS): The long-term outlook remains encouraging despite regional instability. Growth in air transport has historically expanded at roughly twice the rate of GDP growth. In practical terms, an economy growing at 3 percent often generates aviation demand closer to 6 percent. Africa currently stands as the fastest-growing region within our network. Although aviation is vulnerable to crises, it is also highly resilient, rebounding quickly as the structural drivers of travel and connectivity remain intact.
AO: How important is the Egyptian market to Lufthansa Group?
CS: Egypt is a priority market for us. Passenger traffic has risen markedly, and Egyptian airports are recording solid growth in traveller volumes. These trends underscore Egypt’s strong appeal as a destination. Our partnership with EgyptAir within the Star Alliance, now spanning 18 years, further deepens our engagement. Lufthansa’s presence in Egypt dates back to 1958, making it one of our longest-established markets outside Europe.
AO: What is Lufthansa Group’s current flight capacity to Egypt?
CS: We operate 133 weekly flights to Egypt, up from 123. Ten new services will soon connect Marsa Alam with Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne. Egypt is our largest market in North Africa, and the only destination outside Europe served by eight Lufthansa Group airlines. On average, a Lufthansa Group aircraft departs for Egypt every hour, reflecting the scale and frequency of our operations.
AO: What is the status of Lufthansa’s cargo operations in Egypt?
CS: Lufthansa operates five weekly cargo flights from Germany to Cairo International Airport. These flights use a combination of large and medium-sized aircraft designed to accommodate a wide spectrum of commercial shipments.
AO: Airlines worldwide face aircraft supply chain disruptions. How has Lufthansa Group responded?
CS: Supply chain bottlenecks remain a significant challenge, particularly as global demand has accelerated following the pandemic. We expect deliveries of 30 new long-haul aircraft, including 25 from Boeing and five from Airbus. During the fleet renewal phase, some temporary moderation in capacity is unavoidable until the transition is fully completed.
AO: Do you favor fleet diversification or standardization?
CS: We favour diversification. Lufthansa Group operates approximately 850 aircraft across multiple types. We have also ordered 100 new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, with deliveries planned at an average rate of one aircraft per week over the next two years. A diversified fleet provides greater operational flexibility across markets and route structures.
AO: How is Lufthansa Group addressing carbon-emissions reduction targets for 2050?
CS: Our environmental strategy is built on three pillars. The first is fleet modernization through next-generation aircraft capable of reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by at least 30 percent. The second involves expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), although broader adoption is linked to cost dynamics and passenger acceptance of higher fares. At present, SAF represents approximately 0.2 percent of our fuel usage. The third pillar centres on operational efficiencies, including single-engine taxiing and aerodynamic innovations such as the Sharkskin coating, which reduces drag and lowers fuel burn.
AO: What is your view on low-cost carriers?
CS: There is no universal judgment. Outcomes vary significantly depending on market conditions and business models. Lufthansa Group remains committed to a premium travel experience and therefore does not operate within a low-cost framework.
AO: How does Lufthansa Group invest in its workforce?
CS: Human capital is our most valuable asset. We invest in continuous training and professional development throughout our employees’ careers. Lufthansa employs around 2,500 staff across Africa and approximately 138,000 worldwide, reflecting the scale and global reach of our operations.
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