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Lufthansa squeezed by competitors in essential transatlantic market, states CFO

Lufthansa deals with falling ticket rates in its key transatlantic market amid rising competition from both Chinese and U.S. rivals, the German airline's primary financial officer told reporters.

Lufthansa's crucial Asian flights are ending up being less successful as Chinese airlines muscle in on the long-haul market, Joerg Beissel stated at a press conference in Frankfurt.

The second challenge we face remains in The United States and Canada, that we can only fill economy class with big discount rates, as North American rivals are flying direct to holiday locations in Europe, eating into Lufthansa's market share, included Beissel.

That remains in part because U.S. airline companies have reallocated capacity after downsizing Chinese flights due to competitors.

If you summarise this, then the increased costs and decreased profits make it clear that we require a structural response to accomplish an 8% earnings margin objective, said Beissel.

Lufthansa last month alerted of a fall in third-quarter profits as the group that also consists of Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines and Eurowings faces higher wage costs and a squeeze on ticket prices.

Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter wishes to get the brand back on track with a turnaround program that consists of service improvements.

Moving forward, the airline company wants to invest 100 million euros ($ 111 million) a year in services and products, Ritter stated at the exact same occasion.

The number of flights and aircraft types is to be reduced, and Lufthansa prepares to work with another airline company in summertime to assistance cover seasonal fluctuations.

Greater airport expenses in Germany, just recently criticised by budget plan rival Ryanair as well, are also hitting Lufthansa, according to Ritter.

We are among the most expensive areas here in Germany, and we expect our partners to support and add to the turn-around, he stated, adding the government, airport supervisors and airline companies need to prosper in making Germany appealing.

(source: Reuters)