In a significant move reflecting the economic challenges facing the aviation industry, Lufthansa has announced the discontinuation of in-flight sales across its network starting September. This decision, confirmed by a company spokesperson, comes as a response to declining demand and rising purchasing costs, marking a strategic shift for the airline's core brand. While Lufthansa has already ceased merchandise sales on short-haul flights, this latest development will extend the policy to all its operations, excluding its webshop and airport outlets.

Contrasting with Lufthansa's approach, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), another member of the Lufthansa Group, has opted to retain its in-flight sales, citing satisfaction with the current business performance. This divergence highlights the varying strategies within the group to navigate the sector's economic headwinds. Other German airlines, such as Tuifly and Condor, also remain committed to in-flight sales, emphasizing their importance to the travel experience and profitability, especially on tourist routes.

The decision to abolish in-flight sales is part of Lufthansa's broader efforts to streamline operations and focus on core services. The airline is currently testing new products and processes in its Economy class under the 'Fox' project, with plans to extend innovations to higher classes in the coming months. While Lufthansa insists these changes aim to enhance the passenger experience rather than cut costs, the move underscores the airline's adaptive strategies in a challenging economic environment.

This development comes as the Lufthansa Group revises its financial outlook for 2024, citing operational challenges and market pressures. With the aviation industry grappling with structural issues, Lufthansa's latest measures reflect a cautious approach to sustaining profitability amidst fluctuating demand and competitive pressures. As airlines worldwide reassess their service offerings, Lufthansa's decision to phase out in-flight sales may signal a broader industry trend towards prioritizing operational efficiency over ancillary revenues.