Yes, you are correct to say that, however I think it's clear from the rest of the article that that is just some diplomatic flim-flam to help them get a better deal. The article says that the German side of the deal ( German government/Lufthansa ) was only finalised on Monday, and also quotes the responsible German minister as saying that they are going to push Brussels hard, so that it doesn't undermine the industry. In such circumstances it is normal not to unnecessarily antagonise the other parties ( unless you are MOL ), so by their actions LH are making it easy for the Bundesregierung to go back to Brussels and say " We told you not to be too hard on them, they have turned it down "
I suppose it makes the situation even more complicated that the discussions over the huge EU grant/loan package (mainly for S Europe ) is being hotly discussed and Germany is currently in the middle between the "Frugal Four " and the "Club Med " ( just to stay in tabloid vernacular ) states and, additionally , there was that momentous BVG ( Constitutional Court ) decision just a few weeks ago.