The International Air Transport Association has added its voice to the chorus of disapproval following the announcement of a new departure tax by the German government. Already branded a “black day” for aviation by Lufthansa chief executive Wolfgang Mayrhuber, the IATA has called the decision “short-sighted” and “irresponsible”.

BMI expects a major restructuring programme will halve losses this year, and save the airline from imminent break up. The £100m cost savings aim to reverse the fortunes of the Lufthansa-owned carrier, which lost £156m last year. These will include 800 redundancies, cutting 10 aircraft and axing unprofitable routes.

Travellers in Germany are preparing for further disruption, as pilots from Lufthansa prepare for a second strike next month. Pilots at the airline – the largest in Germany – will walk out for four days from April 13th in a dispute over pay and job security.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG slipped to a €112 million loss in 2009, as the global airline industry struggled to cut capacity in the face of falling demand. However, recent acquisitions and future cost cutting plans offer a positive outlook.

Lufthansa Cargo and Austrian Airlines have agreed to step up cooperation between their two companies in the airfreight sector, while American Airlines is set to open a new cargo facility.

Severe disruption was expected across Germany this morning, as more than 4,000 Lufthansa pilots walked out in a dispute over job security.