Lufthansa Group to swap old A340 planes with 10 new long-haul jets

The parent company of German airline Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Lufthansa Group, reportedly said it would purchase a total of 10 long-haul aircraft, including 5 Boeing B787-9s and 5 Airbus A350-900s, to replace aging Airbus A340 planes in an effort to modernize its fleet and improve its fuel efficiency.

The five Boeing B787-9 planes are planned to enter service as early as next winter, in the first half of 2022, along with five Airbus A350-900 planes scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, sources cited.

The airline said that the new aircraft would consume roughly 2.5 liters of jet fuel per passenger and 100 km traveled, about 30% less than many of the previously operated and currently used long-haul aircraft models.

The investment was in compliance with terms set by the German state within the framework of a government bail-out agreement and the carrier's policy which bits of advice to refrain from investing more than amortization and depreciation.

Lufthansa also provided an update regarding improvements to its short-haul fleet as part of its long-standing fleet replacement program. By 2027, the airline plans to receive delivery of 107 Airbus A320 Family aircraft.

Carsten Spohr, CEO at Lufthansa, mentioned they are continuing investments in a more modern, reliable, and low-emission Lufthansa Group fleet, even in these difficult times. The company is moving forward with the modernization of our long-haul fleet much faster than expected before the coronavirus pandemic owing to the anti-cyclical opportunities, he added.

In other news, BASF and Lufthansa Technik have achieved a breakthrough as part of a joint project called AeroSHARK, a surface film that imitates the fine structure of shark skin. This film will be mounted on Lufthansa Cargo's freighter fleet beginning in 2022, increasing its fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Both the firms intend to continue developing the latest technologies to include more aircraft models and larger surfaces in the future so they can help airlines worldwide achieve their sustainability targets more comprehensively.

Source Credit- https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/lufthansa-purchase-10-long-haul-aircraft-modernize-fleet-2021-05-03/