Tourexpi
Eurowings has a new chief executive officer. On
Monday, Max Kownatzki officially took over as CEO of Germany’s largest leisure
airline. The 53-year-old succeeds Jens Bischof, who stepped down from the role
at the end of 2025 at his own request. Kownatzki joins Eurowings from SunExpress,
the joint venture of Lufthansa Group and Turkish Airlines, where he most
recently served as CEO.
Track record of growth and crisis management
During his tenure at SunExpress, Kownatzki steered the
airline through the Covid crisis and subsequently led it onto a strong growth
path. Under his leadership, the fleet was expanded to more than 85 aircraft,
accompanied by record financial results. The period is widely seen as one of
consolidation followed by renewed expansion for the German-Turkish carrier.
First day at Cologne/Bonn headquarters
Kownatzki began his first day at Eurowings with a
welcome event at the airline’s headquarters at Cologne/Bonn Airport. He was
officially received by fellow managing directors Kai Duve and Edi Wolfensberger
and used the occasion to meet employees, reconnect with long-standing
colleagues and engage in direct dialogue across the organisation.
“What Eurowings has built over the past few years
deserves the utmost respect,” Kownatzki said. “Today, Eurowings stands for
impressive customer service and a strong value-for-money offer – all while
achieving sustainable economic success. I very much look forward to shaping the
next phase of Eurowings’ success story together with this great team.”
Deep roots in the Eurowings organisation
For Kownatzki, the airline is familiar ground. In
2015, he co-founded Eurowings Europe and served as chief commercial officer
before taking on the role of senior vice president for business development at
Eurowings. Earlier in his career, he worked at strategy consulting firm Oliver
Wyman, where he advised international airlines on alliances and commercial
strategy and became a senior partner. He later held the position of chief
strategy officer at Jetstar, a subsidiary of Qantas Airways.
In 2017, Kownatzki joined Lufthansa Group, assuming
responsibility for network planning and strategic alliances for the group’s hub
airlines, and became a member of the supervisory board of Air Dolomiti. He
served as CEO of SunExpress from April 2020 until his move back to Eurowings.
International background
Max Kownatzki is German-American and holds a doctoral
degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen. He is a
licensed commercial pilot and father of two children.
Image
Credit: © Eurowings
The most interesting news
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc
Read the News

Nayarit's jungle coast redefines luxury travel
In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.
Read the News

Hilton signs Hilton Garden Inn in Busan, South Korea
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with MS&C Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Garden Inn Busan Gijang in 2028. Located in Gijang, Busan, the hotel is planned to be part of a larger mixed-use development project.
Read the News

Etihad Airways makes Eid al-Adha and Summer Travel easier
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network.
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

To Belize in the off-season with Alaska Airlines
Why this is the best choice explains Ali Wunderman
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

Lufthansa Group expands climate protection portfolio
The Lufthansa Group has reshaped its portfolio of climate protection projects and is placing a stronger emphasis on technology-based solutions
Read the News

Enhanced opportunities for British Airways American Express® cardmembers
British Airways American Express® Cardmembers who book with British Airways Holidays using Avios (as a full or part payment), can now redeem their Companion Voucher to receive 25% of these Avios back.
Read the News

In Spain, the year starts with more people employed in the tourism sector
In the first quarter of 2026, there were 146,631 more employees in tourism-related activities than in the same period of 2025.
Read the News

Eurowings expands its Berlin base
Growth to eleven aircraft strengthens the Lufthansa Group’s market leadership and long-term strategy in Germany’s capital city

