Lufthansa posted its first net profit since the start of the pandemic, in part thanks to strong cargo business.

The airline recorded a net profit of €259 million for the April to June quarter.

It ‘expects demand for tickets to remain high for the remaining months of the year’

Revenue for the quarter was up by 164% compared to last year, at €8.5 billion.

“This is a strong result after a half-year that was challenging for our guests but also for our employees. Nevertheless, we are optimistic about the future,” CEO Carsten Spohr said.

The airline had a load factor of 80% in the second quarter.

The 29.2 million passengers carried represents 74% of pre-pandemic levels.

It will start recruiting again, and hopes to bring in about 5,000 new employees.

It managed to avert more ground staff strikes by reaching a pay deal but pilots voted in favour of strike action.