While the world reels from the Germanwings plane crash, and while details of the tragedy continue to unfold, the CEO of Lufthansa, the parent company of Germanwings, will remain under close scrutiny.

The way that Carsten Spohr, the CEO of Lufthansa, continues to handle the situation will be crucial for the future of the company. While it does not yet appear that the company is largely responsible for the disaster, all avenues will be explored as the investigation continues.

While Lufthansa will be legally obliged to pay a certain amount of compensation to the victims’ families (this would be the case even if co-pilot Lubitz wasn’t found to be negligent, which he likely will be due to his role in the cra) the airline should offer more than the minimum. Likewise, different nationalities are legally entitled to different quantities of compensation, but paying the victim’s families different amounts according to their nationality would be disastrous for Lufthansa’s reputation.

Professor Elmar Giemulla, a German legal expert who has represented air crash victims, says, "Lufthansa should pay beyond their legal obligations. Lufthansa has an interest not to spoil its reputation.”

Lufthansa is offering immediate aid of up to 50,000 euros (£36,500) per passenger, which is separate from eventual compensation payments. Spohr has says, "We will be able to meet the financial liabilities. Our first priority is to help the families where we can."

So far Spohr appears to be handling the situation commendably. He’s shown concern and empathy first and foremost and has responded to questions in an open and transparent manner while, at the same time, demonstrating a sure and confident picture of himself and of Lufthansa in a way that maintains the confidence of investors and employees.

Surprising research by Oxford Metrica of “mass fatality events” claims that some companies actually gain value above what would otherwise be expected if there wasn’t a crisis. The report states, “For mass fatality events particularly, the sensitivity and compassion with which the chief executive responds to victims’ families, and the logistical care and efficiency with which response teams carry out their work, become paramount.”

While these metrics are dwarfed by the devastating emotional impact of tragic events such as the Germanwings crash, the report does show just how much of the company’s value swings in the balance at this crucial time. Spohr has wisely dismissed financial questions at this time stating only that the airline will be able to continue and prioritising the people who have been immediately affected by the disaster.