Lufthansa Group is accelerating the modernization of its fleet by acquiring 5 Airbus A350 aircraft and 5 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. New, fuel-efficient aircraft are replacing older models used on short, medium and long-haul routes. As a result, the Executive Committee of Deutsche Lufthansa AG has decided to purchase ten aircraft that will be used for long-haul flights and will be operated by Lufthansa.
As part of the fleet renewal program, a total of 175 new aircraft will be delivered to Lufthansa Group airlines in this decade.
The first Boeing 787-9 is scheduled to fly to Lufthansa next winter, with more aircraft to follow in the first half of 2022. The decision brings the total number of firm orders for the Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777-9 to 45 aircraft.
Due to the dramatic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on global aviation, aircraft ordered by some airlines have not been able to be delivered in the last twelve months. Lufthansa held talks with Boeing and found a way to buy five Boeing 787-9 aircraft that were already manufactured. At the same time, the Group reached an agreement with Boeing on a restructured delivery plan.
Lufthansa acquires 5 Airbus A350 aircraft and 5 Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The five newly ordered Airbus A350-900 aircraft will be delivered in 2027 and 2028. This brings the total number of firm orders for the A350-900 to 45 aircraft. The Lufthansa Group has also agreed with Airbus to restructure planned deliveries.
In addition to renewing its fleet, Lufthansa also focuses on the latest technology, maximum efficiency and the highest level of customer comfort on short-haul routes. This year alone, Lufthansa will receive, on average, a new fuel-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft each month for short and medium-haul routes. The delivery of another 107 aircraft in the A320 family is planned by 2027.
With the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787-9, the Lufthansa Group will operate the most efficient fleet in terms of consumption for long-haul flights (kerosene / passenger consumption per 100 kilometers traveled). On average, the new aircraft will consume only 2.5 liters of kerosene per passenger per 100 kilometers traveled, about 30% less.
The investments are in line with the Group's policy of limiting annual capital expenditures.
The investment in new aircraft is in line with the framework agreement between the Economic Stabilization Fund of the Federal Republic of Germany (FSM) and Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Investments are also in line with the Group's policy of limiting annual capital expenditures and focusing strictly on increasing the company's value.
The current plans require an initial reduction of the fleet, but also a large-scale modernization of the fleet in the future. The Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 will replace long-range A340 four-engined aircraft as part of this process.