GERMAN airline Lufthansa said today that it planned to improve its pay offer to pilots in an effort to avert a two-day strike this week that could cause significant disruption to travellers.

A union representing pilots announced plans for a walkout tomorrow and Thursday, while calling on the company to make a “serious” offer in talks over pay increases.

It would be the second strike in a week after pilots staged a walkout on Friday that led to hundreds of flights being cancelled.

The Vereinigung Cockpit union has called for a 5.5 per cent raise for its members this year and an inflation-busting 8.2 per cent increase in 2023.

Pilots are also seeking a new pay and holiday structure.

The airline says those measures would increase its staffing costs by about 40 per cent, or around €900 million (£771m) over two years.

Lufthansa has instead offered a one-off increase of €900 (£771), amounting to a 5 per cent increase for senior pilots and an 18 per cent increase for those starting the profession.

Strong unions have traditionally ensured good conditions for workers in Germany, using strikes to press their demands in labour disputes.