AUA deep red in the first quarter

Between January and March, the Lufthansa subsidiary posted an operating loss of 122 million euros. This is the second worst start in the airline’s history and almost 50 million euros more than a year ago. The crews’ strike before Easter caused damage amounting to 35 million euros. The dispute over salaries has now been resolved and the AUA now wants to make up for its losses over the summer.

The main reasons for the loss were the direct financial damage due to the company meetings and strikes, the resulting reluctance to book and, in principle, location and personnel costs that increased disproportionately compared to the EU, the airline explained in a press release.

Last week, the board reached an agreement with the vida union and the Bord works council on the collective agreement (KV) for flying staff until the end of 2026. A vote by vida among union members ends on Wednesday at midnight. In contrast to the last vote, this time approval is recommended.

Losses should be compensated for in the summer

The AUA management assumes that it will be able to compensate for the losses at the beginning of the year in the peak summer travel season, but the operating profit margin of five percent of sales targeted for 2024 will probably no longer be achieved, explained AUA boss Anette Mann. Sales in the first quarter rose slightly to 403 million euros.

Despite the flight cancellations, AUA’s passenger numbers rose by 11 percent to around 2.5 million. At the end of March, the airline employed more than 6,200 people; the increase of 8 percent is related to the upcoming expansion of the long-haul fleet. The AUA will replace its existing long-haul aircraft with more modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners by 2028.