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Lufthansa Group Appoints New CEOs for Eurowings and SunExpress

December 11, 2025

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Lufthansa-owned Eurowings appoints Max Kownatzki as new CEO.
Max Kownatzki previously led SunExpress.
Marcus Schnabel succeeds Kownatzki as SunExpress CEO.
Jens Bischof steps down as Eurowings CEO after five years.
Both CEOs assume new roles on February 1, 2026.

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Strategic Implications

This leadership change may signal Lufthansa's focus on operational efficiency and growth in the leisure airline market. The appointments of Kownatzki and Schnabel suggest a commitment to maintaining existing strengths and potentially expanding SunExpress's presence. The departure of Jens Bischof may indicate a shift in Lufthansa's priorities, but the airline's overall performance and competitiveness remain to be seen.

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What Happened

Lufthansa Shakes Up Leadership Amid Restructuring Efforts

Lufthansa Group has appointed Max Kownatzki and Marcus Schnabel as CEOs of Eurowings and SunExpress, respectively, effective February 1, 2026. Kownatzki, previously CEO of SunExpress, will lead Eurowings, while Schnabel, current Head of Ground Operations for Lufthansa Airlines in Munich, will take over at SunExpress. The move follows the departure of Eurowings CEO Jens Bischof after five years. The appointments were announced by Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr, who praised Kownatzki’s experience and strategic foresight. Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat also expressed confidence in Schnabel’s leadership abilities. The changes are part of a broader restructuring effort within the Lufthansa Group.

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