Aviation

Lufthansa, union reach pay deal for ground staff

Following a one-day strike that resulted in the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights, Lufthansa and a union that represents its ground personnel in Germany have come to an agreement to resolve a salary dispute. The Verdi trade union and Lufthansa secured a compensation agreement on August 4th, resulting in salary increases for the airline’s thousands of ground staff.

Around 20,000 Lufthansa ground employees are represented by Verdi, and under the most recent agreement, their earnings will rise in two stages: by 2.5 percent starting in January 2023 and another 2.5 percent on July 1 of the next year. An initial 9.5 percent wage increase was the one the union requested.

According to Michael Niggemann, head of personnel at Lufthansa, “we stretched the pay rise over multiple steps and secured longer-term security of planning with an 18-month period due to the still-high loads from the pandemic and the uncertain economy.”

The union’s initial request for this year was a 9.5 percent salary raise. Its Wednesday last week strike added to the recent travel chaos in Europe. According to Lufthansa, the strike cost it about 35 million euros.

Niggemann reaffirmed the management of Lufthansa’s willingness to reach a settlement with regard to the upcoming talks with the cockpit and the cabin and expressed optimism that successful solutions can also be found here.

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.