Lufthansa Group Orders 20 New Airbus and Boeing Long-Haul Jets

This article is based on an official press release from Lufthansa Group.

The Lufthansa Group has announced a significant expansion of its future long-haul fleet, securing an order for 20 new widebody aircraft split evenly between Airbus and Boeing. According to an official press release from the company, the supervisory board approved the acquisition of 10 Airbus A350-900s and 10 Boeing 787-9s.

Valued at approximately $7.7 billion at list prices, the new twin-engine jets are scheduled for Delivery between 2032 and 2034. This strategic procurement underscores the German aviation conglomerate’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its operations and reducing its environmental footprint over the next decade.

Fleet Modernization and Delivery Timeline

Expanding the widebody backlog

The latest agreement adds to an already substantial backlog for the European airline group. With this new commitment, the Lufthansa Group’s total order book now stands at 232 latest-generation aircraft, which includes 107 next-generation long-haul jets, as stated in the company’s release.

The 20 newly ordered aircraft will begin arriving in 2032, stepping in to replace older, less fuel-efficient models currently in service across the group’s various passenger Airlines. The company noted that specific decisions regarding which of its subsidiary airlines will operate the new A350s and 787s, as well as their hub assignments, will be determined at a later date.

Strategic Benefits and Sustainability

Driving operational efficiency

A primary driver behind the dual order is the pursuit of operational standardization. By focusing on the A350 and 787 families, the Lufthansa Group aims to reduce fleet complexity. The company highlighted that this streamlining will enhance operational flexibility and stability while simultaneously lowering maintenance and operating costs. Furthermore, operating fewer aircraft types generates synergies in critical areas such as cockpit and cabin crew licensing, as well as spare parts management.

Sustainability also remains a central theme in the group’s fleet strategy. The transition to modern twin-engine widebodies is expected to yield significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to the older jets they will replace.

“By ordering 20 additional long-haul aircraft, we are making a sustainable investment in the future of the Lufthansa Group. It is a clear commitment to a modern fleet, to premium quality, and to further reducing CO2 emissions,” said Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, in the press release.

AirPro News analysis

This latest Orders from the Lufthansa Group highlights the long-term planning required in today’s constrained aerospace supply chain. By securing delivery slots for 2032 through 2034, the airline group is ensuring a steady pipeline of replacement aircraft well into the next decade. We observe that splitting the order between Airbus and Boeing maintains a balanced relationship with both major airframers, a traditional hallmark of Lufthansa’s procurement strategy that mitigates delivery risks and leverages competitive pricing.

The emphasis on the A350-900 and 787-9 also points to a continued shift away from older, less efficient aircraft. While the specific retiring types were not named in the release, the timeline aligns with the eventual phase-out of older widebodies across the group’s network. The stated list price of $7.7 billion is standard industry practice for announcements, though airlines typically negotiate substantial discounts for orders of this magnitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft did the Lufthansa Group order?

The Lufthansa Group ordered 10 Airbus A350-900s and 10 Boeing 787-9s, totaling 20 new long-haul aircraft.

When will the new aircraft be delivered?

According to the company, deliveries for these newly ordered jets are scheduled to take place between 2032 and 2034.

How much is the order worth?

The official press release states the order has a list price value of $7.7 billion, though airlines typically receive significant discounts on list prices.

Which airlines will operate these new planes?

The Lufthansa Group has not yet announced which of its subsidiary airlines or hubs will receive the new aircraft, those decisions will be made closer to the delivery dates.

Sources: Lufthansa Group