Air Berlin, the seocnd largest carrier in Germany, is to cut its fleet by 10%.
The airline said that move was aimed at increasing earnings by €200m.
In a statement AB, a member of the oneworld alliance, said it would cut the number of its aircraft from 170 to 152 by the summer of 2012.
It said this would lower flight performance by “only” 4% but would increase productivity per aircraft by 200 hours a year.
The move is part of the carrier’s “Shape and Size” programme launched in August.
This aims to identify areas where profits could be increased. The airlien sai dthe focus for this was on process, marketing, distribution, cost cutting, flight routing and maintenance.
Hartmut Mehdorn, AB’s ceo, said: "We are currently operating in a turbulent environment, both in terms of competition and economic conditions.
“In order to secure the company's future for the long term and to restore airberlin's former strength, every single company division will be scrutinised over the coming months.
“However, we will not economise with respect to our clients, our service, and our safety."