Following its plan to simplify and modernize the aircraft fleet, Lufthansa said on Monday it had closed an order for 10 new advanced widebodies A350-900 and 787-9.
The purchase involves five units of each of the Airbus and Boeing models that are capable of reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption by about 30%.
“Even in these challenging times, we are continuing to invest in a more modern, more efficient and a lower emission Lufthansa Group fleet. At the same time, we are pushing ahead with the modernization of our long-haul fleet even faster than planned prior to the coronavirus pandemic due to anticyclical opportunities, “said Carsten Spohr, CEO Lufthansa.
The five 787-9 were purchased already manufactured by Boeing due to withdrawals. Lufthansa revealed to have 45 firm orders for the Dreamliner and also the 777-9, but did not clarify quantities for each aircraft. The company, however, admitted that “reached an agreement with Boeing on a restructured delivery plan.”
The first 787-9 is due to be delivered by Boeing in the second half and will enter service during the winter. Other aircraft will be received in the first half of 2022.
The order for the A350-900 has now increased to 45 aircraft. The five new jets will be delivered between 2027 and 2028, the carrier said. As with Boeing, Lufthansa said it had reached an agreement to restructure deliveries.
In a financial crisis, Lufthansa accelerated the retirement of four-engine jets such as the Boeing 747-400, A340 and A380. Despite this, the airline will have 15% of the long-range fleet with four engines.
