Combined non-financial declaration

Sustainability is an integral part of the Lufthansa Group’s corporate strategy

Sustainability is a key element of the Lufthansa Group’s corporate responsibility and strategic alignment. Even in an environment characterised by increasing regulatory momentum and uncertainty, the Lufthansa Group remains committed to its fundamental principles. In its mission statement, the Lufthansa Group states that it connects people, cultures and economies in a sustainable way. This aspiration guides its actions – even in times of continuously changing conditions.

As a leading company in an emissions-intensive sector, the Lufthansa Group is aware of its responsibility to drive the transformation towards a more sustainable future. The aviation industry faces major challenges: high energy requirements, the insufficient availability of sustainable technologies, complex global supply chains amid growing pressure to decarbonise, as well as social challenges such as attracting and retaining talent, addressing demographic change and promoting long-term employability. At the same time, geopolitical uncertainties, new regulatory requirements and the transformation towards sustainable business models are shaping the strategic agenda.

The Lufthansa Group aims to play an active role in shaping the transition towards a more sustainable aviation sector and to set new standards. Innovation and digitalisation are key levers in developing more sustainable solutions and establishing them over the long term. In addition, the Lufthansa Group promotes social aspects and a culture of appreciation in order to create attractive and safe working conditions. Continuous dialogue with stakeholders and compliance with Group-wide standards are equally essential in order to reconcile economic success with social responsibility.

Since the 2024 financial year, the Lufthansa Group has been reporting in accordance with the requirements of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) in order to create transparency for investors and other stakeholders and to support the comparability of its sustainability performance.

The Lufthansa Group sets itself demanding sustainability targets

The Lufthansa Group pursues ambitious targets in the areas of environmental, social and governance matters and underpins these with concrete actions.

In the environmental area, the focus is on reducing CO₂ emissions and aircraft noise, promoting carbon-neutral business operations on the ground, developing innovative technical solutions and expanding lower-emission technologies and the use of circular, renewable materials, by replacing disposable with reusable materials, for example.

The responsible treatment of employees and those along the value chain is of particular importance to the Lufthansa Group as an employer and business partner in order to strengthen the loyalty of existing employees and attract talent from outside the Company. The Lufthansa Group therefore fosters fair and safe working conditions and enhances diversity and equal opportunities. Stringent sustainability standards for suppliers ensure that environmental, social and governance criteria are met. They include compliance with human rights standards, promoting the use of sustainable materials and screening working conditions and environmental practices throughout the value chain.

In addition, by fostering an inclusive corporate culture and the highest corporate governance standards the Lufthansa Group aims to anchor lawful behaviour and integrity into its corporate structures.

Responsible conduct is strengthened by strategic partnerships and sustainability initiatives

The Lufthansa Group has committed to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact for sustainable and responsible corporate governance since 2002, thus setting an example for long-term engagement, responsible corporate governance and sustainable development. The Company has also been committed to the implementation of the United Nations Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2015. As a contribution to achieving these goals, the Lufthansa Group concentrates on ten SDGs, where it can mitigate its negative impact or increase its positive impact. A detailed overview of the specific contributions to the SDGs can be found in the annex to the management report. ↗  T221 SDG Index.

The Lufthansa Group is also a long-standing member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the international airline industry association, and within this global organisation is actively involved in promoting safety, efficiency and sustainability in the aviation sector. It works closely with other members to develop and implement joint standards and methods, to drive innovation and actively shape the transition of the airline industry towards lower emissions.

External ratings

The Lufthansa Group’s sustainability management is rated above-average

The Lufthansa Group’s sustainability management again received a positive rating in the reporting year and is above the industry average in many categories: