After the strike wave, the airline expects to make a profit in the first half of the year

Lufthansa hopes to claw back its strike-related losses in the second half of the year, the German flag carrier said on Tuesday, pointing to a strong summer season with bookings up 16% on the previous year. In the second half of the year, the group's operating result is expected to be higher than in the previous year, it said, adding that savings measures were planned at its core brand Lufthansa Airlines to stem heavy losses there from the strikes.

Despite a disappointing first quarter, the airline expects a record summer boosted by leisure as well as business travellers, leading to more plans to expand the company’s long-haul routes.