Lufthansa Group has unveiled new Chief Executives for its SunExpress and Eurowings airlines.
Max Kownatzki, currently CEO of SunExpress, will assume the role of CEO of Eurowings on February 1, 2026. He succeeds Jens Bischof, who will step down from the management board at the end of the year after more than five years leading Eurowings and over 35 years in senior positions within the Lufthansa Group.
Marcus Schnabel, currently Head of Ground Operations for Lufthansa Airlines in Munich, will succeed Max Kownatzki and take on the position of Chief Executive Officer of SunExpress starting February 1, 2026.
Lufthansa chairman Carsten Spohr said: “Jens Bischof has significantly shaped and advanced Eurowings over the past five years. He has transformed the airline into Germany’s leading leisure carrier in the highly competitive point-to-point market while also repositioning it as a European carrier with international bases. Under his leadership, Eurowings has successfully embarked on the path of profitability.
“With Max Kownatzki, we are gaining a top manager for Eurowings who will continue the company’s successful course. His experience as CEO of SunExpress, his strategic foresight, and his high standards for operational excellence make him the ideal candidate for this role.
“Marcus Schnabel brings the necessary expertise and entrepreneurial drive as an experienced airline manager to guide SunExpress during a pivotal phase of growth. I am confident that he will successfully continue the strategic and operational development of the airline.
“I am particularly pleased that we are able to fill these strategically important leadership positions within the Lufthansa Group from our own ranks.”
