The Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings, which has been in deficit for many years, is likely to have benefited from the sometimes enormous increase in ticket prices combined with high demand. On average, you should have taken about 20 percent more, which, according to company boss Jens Bischof, means that you have reached an “adequate level”. 

However, the Eurowings managing director denied that the flight into the black was only possible through higher prices. During the corona pandemic, the strategy was revised and the carrier converted into a holiday airline. One would now be the German market leader in this segment. A look at the advance booking figures makes Bischof optimistic, because they are said to be around a third above the previous year's level. 

Provided there are no further enormous cost increases, the Eurowings management assumes that the 2023 financial year will be closed with a profit. In this context, Bischof also criticizes German airports because, in his opinion, they are among the most expensive in Europe. Although long-term contracts have largely been secured, the manager seems anything but satisfied with the fact that some airports and their service providers have tightened the price screw. 

Ryanair also criticizes high airport costs 

Competitor Ryanair refers to a study by York Aviation, which concludes that the German government's plan to increase aviation security fees again could have a negative impact on the already struggling economy.  

Ryanair DAC Managing Director Eddie Wilson said: "This independent report from York Aviation - one of Europe's leading aviation consultants - shows how broken and dysfunctional Germany's air transport system is and quantifies the catastrophic impact that an increase in aviation security charges has on the competitiveness, Germany's recovery, consumers and economy, including a potential €8,5 billion hit to German GDP. It's no wonder Germany is lagging far behind other EU countries, most of which are recovering to pre-Covid levels of air travel 

have fully achieved. The German air transport fee structure is completely dysfunctional and uncompetitive, owing to the government's inflated security levies, horrendous air transport taxes and exorbitant airport fees 

which have resulted in less competition and higher fares for German consumers. German consumers are routinely ripped off by the rescued German airlines with prices of up to 800 euros for a one-way flight on a two-hour short haul, and with the proposed fee increases this situation will only get worse”. 

Eurowings Discover before rebranding 

There will soon be a name change within the Lufthansa Group, as Eurowings Discover will appear as Discover Airlines in the future. This said EW managing director Jens Bischof, who sees this step positively. For passengers, the differences would be clearer and there would likely be less confusion. 

Eurowings Discover did not want to officially confirm the step. It is pointed out that corresponding trademark rights have already been secured. In the meantime, the company has invited media representatives to Frankfurt am Main on September 5, 2023 to present the new look and a new livery.