Discover Airlines is set to welcome Sascha Unterbarnscheidt as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Accountable Manager starting March 2025. Currently serving as the Head of Flight Operations at Eurowings, Unterbarnscheidt will transition into his new role to oversee and optimize the operational framework of the leisure airline. Alongside CEO Bernd Bauer, he will be instrumental in driving the airline’s strategic growth and expansion plans.

Unterbarnscheidt’s appointment comes as Wolfgang Raebiger steps down from his position to explore new opportunities within the Lufthansa Group after taking a personal sabbatical. Raebiger, who has been a pivotal figure in the airline’s history, oversaw its growth from its inception to its current scale, which includes a fleet of 28 aircraft and a workforce of over 2,000 employees. His tenure saw him lead as both a project manager and a key member of the management board.

A Veteran Aviator with a Proven Track Record

At 53, Sascha Unterbarnscheidt brings more than 25 years of aviation expertise to Discover Airlines. His illustrious career spans a wide range of responsibilities, from piloting diverse aircraft types within Lufthansa and Eurowings to holding senior leadership positions in the Lufthansa Group. Among his notable roles are:

• Consultant to Lufthansa’s Chief Pilot: Offering strategic insights on operational excellence.
• Head of Standards for Human Factors, Safety & Security Training: Enhancing training protocols across the organization.
• Head of Operations Support in Frankfurt: Overseeing critical operational support functions.

In addition to his managerial accomplishments, Unterbarnscheidt led the Airbus A320 Family fleet operations at Lufthansa in Frankfurt until 2021. During this time, he also served as Deputy Head of Flight Operations for Lufthansa Airlines. In April 2021, he transitioned to Eurowings, where he has since spearheaded its Flight Operations division.

A Personal Commitment to Excellence

Sascha Unterbarnscheidt’s career reflects a deep dedication to aviation excellence. Balancing his professional achievements with a fulfilling personal life, he is married and a father to two children. His extensive experience, combined with his forward-thinking leadership style, is expected to steer Discover Airlines toward new heights.

“We are very happy to welcome Sascha, an expert with many years of varied experience, who is also very familiar with the special requirements of the leisure airline business from his time at Eurowings. Following the successful establishment of Discover Airlines, the signs continue to point to growth. Operational efficiency, stability and reliability will be important factors for our continued success. I am convinced that Sascha’s expertise and experience from significantly larger airlines will help us to successfully and sustainably master the next growth steps,” says Bernd Bauer, CEO of Discover Airlines.

“As one of the first to join the company, Wolfgang has helped to build Discover Airlines over the past four years. It is not least thanks to his tireless efforts as project manager and later as part of the management board that Discover Airlines has developed from a start-up to a successful globally operating airline in record time. With perseverance and skill, he has steered the constantly growing team through challenging times and has always been committed to an open and appreciative corporate culture that still characterizes our airline today. On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank Wolfgang for his commitment and the passion he has put into building Discover Airlines over the last few years and wish him all the best for the future,” says Bernd Bauer.

Discover Airlines: A Growing Power in Leisure Travel

Discover Airlines continues to solidify its position as a key player in the leisure travel sector. With Unterbarnscheidt at the operational helm, the airline is poised to build upon its strong foundation, ensuring seamless travel experiences for its customers while advancing its strategic vision.

As Discover Airlines embarks on this new chapter, Unterbarnscheidt’s leadership promises to blend operational efficiency with innovative growth, setting the stage for the airline’s continued success in the competitive aviation landscape.

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