Lufthansa German Airlines has called for the use of more modern scanner technology at security checkpoints. "There is state-of-the-art technology that would significantly speed up security checks. Instead, older technology is mostly in use at airports in Germany," Lufthansa board member Detlef Kayser, responsible for fleets and infrastructure, told Bild am Sonntag, according to an advance report on Saturday. More modern scanners, for example, no longer require liquids and computers to be removed from bags. "For our customers, I would like to see the new devices deployed as soon as possible."

Kayser signaled clear opposition to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser's (SPD) proposal to open priority boarding to all passengers. "Priority boarding of aircraft is not the problem at the moment. Breaking up fast lanes at government security checkpoints doesn't help in the current situation either. The lines are long everywhere. We need solutions for all passengers," said the Lufthansa board member.

Too few staff in the high season is currently causing chaos in air traffic at airports and has already led to more than 3,000 flight cancellations in the summer, even at the core Lufthansa brand. According to the airline, this corresponds to five percent of planned flights. Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr had apologized to customers for this, but does not expect any sweeping improvement this summer. There is a shortage of manpower, especially in ground services.

Photo by Alan Angelats