Air Berlin elaborates on 'Shape & Size' programme

Air Berlin plc confirmed (21-Sep-2011) its "Shape & Size" programme aims to increase group earnings by EUR200 million p/a. "In more than 30 work groups, senior executives…have identified targets which have [the] potential to bring about and secure profitability and competitiveness," the airline announced. Highlights include:

• The central focus will be on "process organisation, marketing and distribution, cost reduction, flight routing and maintenance", with a "substantial" contribution coming from the optimisation of the flight network and the fleet structure;
• By summer 2012, Air Berlin plc aims to reduce its current fleet of 170 aircraft to 152 aircraft (a reduction of 18 aircraft, or 10%). As a result, flight performance will be lowered by 4% and the productivity per aircraft would be increased by 200 hours per year, the airline estimates;
• CEO Hartmut Mehdorn said the group's strategy and hybrid business model will not change, following an "intense" review of the strategy. "airberlin stands for tourism and scheduled flights, will continue to focus on the expansion of its four hubs, in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Palma de Mallorca and Vienna, and will become a full member of the global airline alliance, oneworld, in the spring of 2012", the CEO reiterated.

Air Berlin plc: "We are currently operating in a turbulent environment, both in terms of competition and economic conditions. In order to secure the company's future for the long term and to restore airberlin's former strength, every single company division will be scrutinised over the coming months. However, we will not economise with respect to our clients, our service, and our safety," Hartmut Mehdorn, CEO. Source: Company Statement, 21-Sep-2011. [more - original PR]