The pilots strike afflicting Lufthansa has stretched to long haul and cargo services in addition to domestic and European routes.<br /><br /> The two-day strike over a company retirement scheme has hit operating profit and share prices.<br /><br /> Barbara Schädler is a spokesperson for the airline:<br /><br /> “Unfortunately, this is the ninth strike at Lufthansa this year alone. We always see a drop in bookings afterwards, but we also appear to have very loyal customers. But that could change, we must not push our luck.”<br /><br /> The union is fighting to retain a package that allows pilots to retire at 55 and retain 60 percent of their salary until a pension plan kicks in at 65.
