Lufthansa outperformed expectations in the first quarter and is maintaining its profit guidance despite mounting risks associated with the conflict in Iran. During the seasonally weakest quarter of the year, the group posted an operating loss of 612 million euros, a 15 percent improvement year-on-year. Analysts surveyed by the company had anticipated a loss of 659 million euros. Revenue came in as expected at 8.7 billion euros.

Despite rising kerosene costs and the growing threat of fuel shortages, the group is sticking to its forecast of significantly increasing adjusted operating profit compared to last year's nearly two billion euros. With the disruption of Gulf-based competitors, Lufthansa was able to sell more flights to Asia and Africa in March. However, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have since ramped up their capacity again, even though Iran recently launched further attacks in the region.

'Global demand for air travel remains high and is proving resilient even in times of crisis,' the MDax-listed group stated. The airline group expects another strong summer travel season. 'Due to uncertainty factors, the opportunity-risk profile has shifted toward the risks.' Supply capacity is now expected to grow by only up to two percent, down from the originally planned four percent.

(Report by Ilona Wissenbach, edited by Myria Mildenberger. For inquiries, please contact the editorial management at frankfurt.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com)