A serious internal conflict is unfolding at Lufthansa Cargo, the freight division of the German airline group, as tensions escalate between the pilots and company management. Flight crew representatives have submitted a formal letter of complaint to CEO Ashwin Bhat and Supervisory Board member Michael Niggemann, containing strong criticisms and a series of serious allegations.
The pilots accuse the management of “unilateral use of power,” “overstepping authority,” and maintaining a “confrontational attitude.” They are particularly critical of the management’s involvement in matters related to flight safety. Direct interference in training programs and safety standards has been deemed unacceptable by the pilots, who warn that any actions posing a threat to safety will be reported directly to aviation authorities.
The conflict has intensified amid ongoing internal corporate reforms and disputes over crew size on flights to Asia. According to German media, Lufthansa Cargo’s management is considering operating these long-haul flights with three-member crews, while pilots are insisting on maintaining the current four-person configuration, citing serious safety concerns.
Lufthansa Cargo has confirmed receipt of the complaint letter but has declined to comment further on the matter.
