The European air travel market is showing dynamism in the leisure and direct flight segment, which is reflected in Eurowings' latest annual report. The Lufthansa Group subsidiary closed 2025 with a significant increase in passenger numbers, reaching a total of 23,7 million passengers.
This represents an increase of approximately 900.000 passengers compared to the previous year. With an adjusted EBIT of €132 million, which also includes the investment in SunExpress, the company demonstrates a stable financial position. In addition to the purely quantitative expansion of its flight schedule to 150 destinations within Europe, the airline accelerated its transformation into a so-called value airline last year. This strategic positioning aims to differentiate itself from traditional ultra-low-cost carriers through higher service quality and reliability. The award as the best European low-cost airline by the rating agency Skytrax, as well as an operational reliability of over 99 percent, form the foundation for the far-reaching investment decisions that will shape the coming decade.
Operational key figures and market development
The 2025 performance report highlights the challenges and successes of complex flight operations. Of the 170.000 flights operated, approximately 72 percent reached their destination on time. Although the punctuality rate was affected by external factors such as bottlenecks in European air traffic control and weather events, overall reliability remained at a top level. Kai Duve, CFO of Eurowings, emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction in this context. Around two-thirds of passengers would actively recommend the airline, indicating the successful implementation of customer-oriented initiatives.
Eurowings' route network now comprises 13 international bases. The base on Mallorca, considered Europe's most important holiday island, contributes significantly to passenger volume. Demand for leisure air travel remains the primary growth driver. To accommodate this development, the program has been continuously expanded, and the number of employees has also increased to almost 5.500. This staff increase is a direct response to the increased flight frequency and expansion into new markets within the European continent.
Diversification through their own tour operator
A strategic milestone last year was the establishment of its in-house tour operator, Eurowings Holidays. This move allowed the airline to extend its value chain deep into the tourism sector. The model of offering flights and hotels as package holidays from a single source has proven successful within the first year. The portfolio now includes offers in 60 countries and access to approximately 16.000 partner hotels.
This move into the tour operator business allows the airline to operate more independently of external travel agents and to manage the occupancy of its own aircraft more effectively. For customers, this results in greater flexibility regarding bookings, changes, and cancellations. Combining flight services and accommodation under a strong brand strengthens customer loyalty and creates additional revenue potential beyond pure ticket sales. Within the industry, this trend toward vertical integration is seen as a necessary step to survive in the volatile tourism market.
Preparing for technological change
The most far-reaching decision for Eurowings' long-term future was made by its parent company, Lufthansa, in January 2025. As part of a comprehensive fleet strategy, it was decided that Eurowings would receive a total of 40 brand-new Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft. This decision marks a turning point, as the airline is now embarking on the largest modernization phase in its history. Deliveries are scheduled for the period between 2027 and 2032.
The arrival of these modern medium-haul jets will significantly increase operational efficiency. The Boeing 737-8 Max is characterized by greater range and improved economics, opening up new options for network planning for the airline. Currently, the fleet of approximately 100 aircraft consists primarily of models from the Airbus A320 family. While integrating a second manufacturer will require adjustments in maintenance and training, it will offer greater long-term flexibility in fleet planning and reduce dependence on a single supplier. This investment is a clear signal of the Group's confidence in the growth potential of the Eurowings brand.
Competitive environment and strategic outlook
The value airline segment is fiercely competitive. Eurowings deliberately positions itself between the expensive network carriers and the minimalist low-cost airlines. Its concept is based on offering basic services at attractive prices, while comfort features and additional services can be booked modularly. This differentiation is essential to appeal to both price-conscious leisure travelers and business travelers who value flexibility and a dense network of direct connections.
The coming years will be characterized by preparations for the new fleet and the further digitalization of customer interfaces. A consistent focus on quality and reliability is intended to help defend market leadership among German leisure airlines and further expand the company's presence at European locations outside Germany. With the positive annual result for 2025 and the secured growth options provided by the new Boeing aircraft, management considers itself well-positioned to meet the challenges of European airspace and further increase the company's profitability. The focus remains unchanged on high operational excellence and a close integration of flight operations and tourism services.