Airlines

Passenger Allegedly Tries to Kiss Flight Attendant and faces federal charges

Authorities claim that a man assaulted two flight attendants and demanded a kiss from one of them on a journey from California to Las Vegas. He is now being charged at the federal level.

The FBI complained to the U.S. District Court of Nevada on Friday, and the suspect was then charged with two counts of simple assault. According to a five-page criminal complaint submitted by the FBI, the event happened aboard a Southwest flight in October that was traveling from Palm Springs to Las Vegas.

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According to court documents submitted by an FBI special agent, the suspect got up from his seat about 20 minutes before the plane touched down, went to a flight attendant occupying a jump seat in the back of the aircraft, and demanded she kiss him.

When the victim got from her jump seat, the suspect put his arms around her shoulders and demanded a kiss once more before threatening to have a panic attack if the flight attendant did not accompany him into the lavatory. The lawsuit claims that the suspect attempted to shove the flight attendant into the lavatory while grabbing her, which made her fear for her life.

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According to FBI investigators, the flight attendant pushed the suspect away and then requested assistance from a different flight attendant, who rushed to the back of the aircraft and attempted to calm the suspect down.

The accuser, according to the lawsuit, instead gripped the flight attendant‘s shoulders and repeated his request for a kiss from her coworker.

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According to court documents, “(the suspect) then grabbed (the first flight attendant’s) face and squeezed tightly while trying to kiss her.” The suspect was confined in a back row seat until the aircraft landed at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, according to the FBI, by three additional male passengers who intervened. Where the suspect is from and whether he is in custody weren’t immediately revealed.

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Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

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The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

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The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.