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Despite the escalating effects of the global financial and economic crisis and the resulting insecurities in the market, Lufthansa was again able to assert itself successfully in 2008 – recording the second-best result in the company’s history. Over 70 million passengers, more than ever before, entrusted themselves to our services and documented their loyalty by awarding us top scores in customer satisfaction. This clearly confirms the course we have chosen.

We assume that 2009 will be one of the most difficult years ever for the air transport industry, but Lufthansa is well prepared. We are in good shape – financially, strategically and operationally. All business segments of the Lufthansa Group have positioned themselves positively and promisingly. This is all the more important, as economic success is the fundamental prerequisite for fulfilling our self-commitment to performing equally well in two other disciplines of sustainability – environmental care and social responsibility. Above all, we intend to improve our environmental balance sheet substantially by making goal-oriented investments – for example in new aircraft. Lying ahead of us is the largest fleet renewal program in the history of Lufthansa. Flying is becoming quieter, fuel consumption is declining significantly, and the “3-liter aircraft” has become reality. Starting with the example of Lufthansa Technik, you can read in this issue of Balance on how environmental care is lived out each day at the Lufthansa Group and which measures are set to improve our environmental balance sheet even further.

As you do so, it will also become clear just how valuable our employees’ selfawareness, basic attitudes and professional qualifications are. A company’s success stands or falls with its employ- ees – in the area of environmental protection as well. This is why we make investments not only in the latest technologies but also in people. We rely increasingly on internal training and continuing education. This is another part of our social responsibility. And it is part of securing the future. In this context, we are pleased to have optimum conditions for training once again, thanks to the reopening of the entirely new Lufthansa Training and Conference Center – Lufthansa’s “soul” – rebuilt on its previous site in Seeheim.

As always, we strive to convince through quality and performance. This applies to all companies within the Group, and we also bring our influence to bear on partners, suppliers and the framework of conditions in which we operate. Lufthansa has committed itself comprehensively to sustainable business development. It was this same conviction that motivated us back in 2002 to become the first airline worldwide to join the UN Global Compact. Today, we still maintain an unwavering focus on the principles anchored there.

Given our well-coordinated, reliable, highly committed team of employees and managers, we are confident that we can continue to perform excellently in the market, even under the current difficult conditions. This issue of Balance, whose reading I recommend to you highly, provides comprehensive insights into important aspects of economics, ecology and social responsibility. I thank you for your interest, your trust and your suggestions – stay with us!

Wolfgang Mayrhuber
Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO
Deutsche Lufthansa AG