Lufthansa Mourns Death of Former CEO Jürgen Weber

Jürgen Weber, the former CEO of Lufthansa and co-founder of Star Alliance, has passed away at the age of 83, the airline announced. Known affectionately as “Mr Lufthansa,” Weber dedicated more than five decades to the German flag carrier, helping to shape the modern identity of the airline and the global aviation landscape.

Weber first joined Lufthansa as a young engineer in 1967 and remained closely tied to the company throughout his life. He served as CEO from 1991 to 2003, a period marked by transformative change, including the airline’s extensive restructuring and eventual privatization. From 2003 to 2013, he continued to shape the company’s direction as Chairman of the Supervisory Board and remained Honorary Chairman until his passing on May 12, 2025.

Carsten Spohr, the current CEO of Lufthansa, paid tribute to Weber’s legacy, describing him as a visionary who played a central role in Lufthansa’s evolution. “Like no other, Jürgen Weber embodied the renewal of Lufthansa during its restructuring and privatization in the 1990s. Crucial decisions and developments at Deutsche Lufthansa AG are – and will remain – inextricably linked to his name,” Spohr said. “We at Lufthansa owe Jürgen Weber a debt of gratitude for his outstanding service to the Lufthansa Group. Our thoughts are now with his family.”

Under Weber’s leadership, Lufthansa not only returned to financial stability but also became a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s first and largest global airline alliance. He also oversaw significant infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Frankfurt Airport, reinforcing Lufthansa’s position as a key European hub carrier.

In its official statement, Lufthansa credited Weber with “the reorganization, restructuring and privatization of the airline” and praised his ability to guide the company through turbulent times. The airline said he demonstrated strategic foresight as early as the 1990s and played a pivotal role in putting Lufthansa back on the path to success.

Karl-Ludwig Kley, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, also honored Weber’s extraordinary contributions, noting that without him, “Lufthansa as we know it today would be unthinkable.” He praised Weber’s ability to connect with employees and influence corporate culture, stating, “No one else appealed to the hearts and minds of the employees as much as Jürgen Weber. No one else shaped the culture of Lufthansa as he did.”

Kley added, “We bow our heads in respect for the life’s work of an exceptional person. Jürgen Weber will always have a place of honor in the history of our company.”

Weber leaves behind a lasting legacy in global aviation, remembered not only for his strategic achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to Lufthansa and its people.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Lufthansa