Why we need global solutions when it comes to climate protection

Let me start on a personal note. For me, climate protection is a matter of the heart. Not only do I get to steer a great company, I am also an engineer and a pilot. In all functions and for over 15 years, I have been able to contribute to sustainability. For example with the introduction of the paperless cockpit, in my former Lufthansa Group responsibility for fuel efficiency or on the topic of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, when our company did pioneering work in 2011 by conducting the long-term testing of bio kerosene in regular flight operations. As pilot and engineer, I am convinced that innovative technology, sensible digital solutions and a strong commitment help us to protect the climate without having to give up flying.

Our goals are ambitious:

- By 2030, we want to reduce our net CO2 emissions compared to 2019 by 50 per cent.

- By 2050, we want to be CO2-neutral.?

We invest in 180 new aircraft that are more fuel-efficient

To achieve this, we are modernizing our fleet despite economically challenging times. To give you the big picture: Until 2030, we expect for the Lufthansa Group a total delivery of roundabout 180 brand-new and highly fuel-efficient aircraft such as Boeing 787, 777-9, A350, A320neo family - despite the crisis. We have secured Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for 250 million US dollars to be able to meet the increasing demand for SAF in the coming years.

But that is not enough for us: In the Lufthansa Group CleanTech Hub, we are promoting climate protection technologies together with partners, because we also need the knowledge and ideas of start-ups to improve us and the whole industry. It is a huge task and not just one single idea will help us fulfil it. That is why we are currently pursuing more than 80 projects within the Lufthansa Group to fly more climate-friendly. We are cooperating with the industry to produce more and more SAF at affordable prices. We are converting aircraft into flying laboratories to support climate research. On the ground, we are already using green electricity in our home markets.

We strive for progress every day

We do all this because we strongly believe that it is necessary as well as the right thing to do. In doing so, we strive for progress every day. We want to remain a role model in the aviation industry and continue to expand this position.

Yet it makes me angry when I see so called climate protection policies are leading to distortions of competition. A popular example is the current proposal of the European climate protection package "Fit for 55". Investing in climate protection is necessary, and yes, it increases the costs for us. That's okay as long as this applies to every airline. Something is severely wrong if traffic flows shift to places with little or no climate protection ambition. Right now, the costs unilaterally increase for European companies. The planned measures favor non-European airlines and thus distort competition: Istanbul or Dubai lure with low prices and do not have to fulfil European climate protection requirements in their home markets.

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Competition must be fair?

I am a strong advocate of global solutions. For example, global quotas for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, CO2 certificate trading or regulations that apply to everyone worldwide. Competition must be fair. Only then can we continue to earn money and reinvest it – only then we can reach the absolute necessary climate protection goals. Those who invest the most in climate protection should not be punished for it.

It has never been more important than at the moment to have a Europe that is closely connected with the world. Europe needs strong airlines - we want to be one of them.

As CEO of Lufthansa Airlines I would like to emphasize that we are happy to take on a pioneering role in climate protection. However, I appeal to politicians to support us in this. Because our common destination must be CO2-neutral air transport.

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