The Lufthansa Group will continue their fleet modernization program with an order for five additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The additional order will help the Group simplify their long-haul fleet and improve overall environmental performance.
On Monday (May 3, 2021), Boeing announced that the Lufthansa Group has ordered an additional five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of their fleet modernization program. The new order will help the carrier simplify their long-haul fleet by adding more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly widebody aircraft. The Lufthansa Group originally placed an order for 20 787-9s in 2019, so the incremental order increases the Group’s total order book to 25 aircraft. The 787-9 is the second member of the Dreamliner family and offers a 20 percent increase in passenger capacity and a 25 percent increase in cargo capacity, while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 25 percent compared to the airplanes it replaces.
In Today’s announcement, Deutsche Lufthansa AG’s Executive Board Member and Chief operations Officer, Dr. Detlaf Kayser, said,
“We are very pleased that five more Boeing 787-9s will accelerate the modernization of our long-haul fleet. With these ultra-modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, we send a strong signal for environmental responsibility within the Lufthansa Group. Furthermore, we will reduce our operating costs and provide our guests a state-of-the-art travel experience.”
Also commenting on the new order, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Ihssane Mounir, said,
“The Lufthansa Group has been navigating an extremely challenging market and positioning itself for the recovery ahead and the eventual return to growth. We are honored that they have once again selected Boeing's widebody airplane family to power their future fleet. The 787's superior fuel efficiency and range provide the Lufthansa Group the flexibility to profitably operate the airplane across its route network.”
Since Entering service in 2011, the 787 Family’s fuel efficiency, flexibility and range has facilitated the opening of over 300 new nonstop routes, while reducing carbon emissions by 80 billion pounds. The aircraft is built with lightweight composite materials and powered by advanced engines. With a suite of environmentally-friendly technologies, the 787 Family of aircraft offers an airport noise footprint that is 60 percent smaller than previous generation 767s.
Update: May 5, 2021
On Wednesday (May 5, 2021), the Lufthansa Group announced that as part of their fleet modernization program, they have also ordered five additional Airbus A350-900s. The newly ordered A350s are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028 and the incremental order brings the Group’s A350-900 orders to 45 aircraft. Additionally, Lufthansa and Airbus have agreed and a restructuring of planned deliveries. The new Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A350-900s will essentially replace the Group’s four-engine long-haul Airbus A340s. The new fuel-efficient aircraft will reduce operating costs by around 15 percent compared to the models they replace.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and will continue investing in their people for future growth.
Source(s): Boeing, Lufthansa Group