Director legal and compliance | Condor Flugdienst
Isabel Ann Giancristofano
Director legal and compliance | Condor Flugdienst
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
In times of crisis, managing legal matters at Condor requires agility and a hands-on approach. The priority is to swiftly identify risks affecting compliance, contracts, and key relationships while ensuring solutions protect the airline without disrupting operations.
Legal strategy and business resilience go hand in hand. The legal team serves as a trusted advisor, enabling quick, informed decisions while safeguarding long-term goals. By collaborating across teams, adjusting policies, and maintaining transparent communication, we help Condor stay compliant, uphold its reputation, and continue serving passengers effectively, even in uncertain times.
What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?
I am personally involved in an antitrust case with a competitor, as well as disputes over COVID-related and restructuring subsidies challenged by another competitor. Additionally, we are pursuing several high-value damage claims, either settling major court proceedings or resolving matters outside of court.
What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in Germany over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?
Over the next five years, German businesses – particularly in the aviation and tourism industries – will face significant legal challenges that demand proactive strategies.
Environmental compliance will become increasingly stringent, with new EU regulations on emissions requiring not only airlines but many other industries to adopt greener technologies and more sustainable practices. At Condor, this means investing in sustainable fuel options, carbon offsetting, and emissions tracking to meet regulatory standards while appealing to environmentally conscious travellers.
Data privacy and cybersecurity will also remain critical, with the rise in digital bookings and data collection requiring strict adherence to GDPR and other regulatory frameworks. To ensure compliance, we conduct regular data audits, provide ongoing staff training on GDPR requirements, and implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent breaches.
Consumer protection has become a heightened area of focus, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, with passenger rights concerning cancellations, refunds, and delays under greater scrutiny. In response, we have improved internal legal processes, adopted new software to enhance efficiency, and established clear policies on refunds and flexible booking options. Transparent communication with passengers remains key to maintaining trust and ensuring compliance.
Labour laws and skilled workforce shortages continue to pose challenges for businesses across all sectors. To address this, we prioritise fair employment practices, competitive benefits, and targeted training programmes to retain talent and meet regulatory requirements. Just as importantly, we foster a positive workplace culture within our teams and across functions to support long-term stability.
Finally, regulatory shifts in EU aviation law, coupled with evolving geopolitical factors, have a profound impact on routes, partnerships, and operational strategies. Staying ahead of these changes and continuously adapting compliance frameworks will be crucial to maintaining resilience in an increasingly complex legal and business environment.
Director of legal | Condor Flugdienst
