As the aviation industry evolves, airlines must adapt to changing trends and technologies. One such airline, Lufthansa, has recently taken steps to replace its aging aircraft with new widebody planes from both Airbus and Boeing.
The Lufthansa Group has announced that it has increased its widebody orders by 22 aircraft, comprising 15 A350s (10x A350-1000, 5x A350-900) and seven Boeing 787-9s. The deal is valued at approximately $7.5 billion and comes as the airline revealed its new Allegris cabin concept at an exclusive event in Berlin. In addition, the airline also extended Carsten Spohr’s term as the Group CEO by five years.
Replacing Older Planes
The main reason for the order is to replace older planes, not to add to the fleet. Lufthansa plans to retire the Airbus A340-300, Airbus A340-600, Airbus A330-200, Boeing 767-300, Boeing 777-200, and Boeing 747-400, reducing its widebody fleet from 50% to under 15% in the medium-term future. The Boeing 747-8s, however, are expected to stay in service as their average age is under ten years.
Interestingly, Lufthansa made no mention of retiring the Airbus A380. While the carrier had previously stated that it would retire the entire fleet, three jets are now set to return to the skies this summer to serve US destinations. The lack of mention could suggest that the type may stick around a little longer or that it is already effectively retired by the airline.
It is worth noting that Lufthansa’s first Boeing 787 was one of the aircraft that had been forfeited by other carriers. Originally due to go to Hainan Airlines and then Vistara, it ended up with Lufthansa instead. The group is also negotiating to take more widebody aircraft available at short notice due to other carriers forfeiting their manufacturing slots.
The Lufthansa Group’s total long-haul aircraft orders now stand at 108, including the Airbus A350, the Boeing 787, and the Boeing 777X. While a good portion of these will end up with Lufthansa itself, some will likely go to other group carriers.
Lufthansa’s widebody order expansion aims to replace older aircraft and reduce the quadjet fleet. Although the airline has made no mention of retiring the Airbus A380, it appears to be effectively retired by the airline. The carrier is negotiating to take more widebody aircraft available at short notice due to other carriers forfeiting their manufacturing slots.
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