The Lufthansa Group has just announced the firm order of a total of 80 ultra-modern short and medium-haul aircraft. Today’s bulk order is comprised of 40 Airbus A220-300 and 40 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
In addition to the firm orders with the two major manufacturers, the Group has options for a further 20 A220s, 40 additional A320 family aircraft and a further 60 737-8 MAXs.
This monumental decision, which is now approved by the Supervisory Board, is a significant leap forward in the company’s fleet modernization initiative.
Airbus A220-300
Leading the charge is the purchase of 40 Airbus A220-300s, accompanied by an additional 20 purchasing options.
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Designed to accommodate 148 passengers, this latest-generation aircraft boasts a fuel consumption of merely 2.5 liters per 100 passenger kilometers.
Slated for use by the newly established Lufthansa City Airlines, the A220-300 is poised to revolutionize short-haul routes from Frankfurt and Munich, promising enhanced passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
The delivery of the first A220-300 is anticipated in 2026.
Boeing 737-8 MAX
In parallel, the Lufthansa Group is also set to acquire 40 Boeing 737-8 MAX, along with 60 purchasing options. This fourth-generation evolution of the world’s most widespread commercial aircraft is configured with 190 seats in Business and Economy Class.
Boasting efficient engines from CFM International, the Boeing 737-8 MAX is projected to consume a mere 2.2 liters per 100 passenger-kilometers.
Scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2027, these aircraft will play a crucial role in supporting the growth trajectories of Lufthansa Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines, and SWISS.
Airbus A320 Family
Complementing these two firm acquisitions, the Lufthansa Group has secured 40 purchase options for the Airbus A320 family.
With approximately 450 aircraft from this series already in service, the A320 family has established itself as a cornerstone of the group’s short- and medium-haul operations.
This strategic move ensures favorable conditions for future orders and further aligns with the Group’s commitment to embracing advanced aviation solutions.
A Greener Future
The decision to invest in these state-of-the-art aircraft extends beyond operational efficiency to environmental responsibility.
The new additions to the Lufthansa Group fleet are poised to reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 percent and, consequently, lower carbon emissions.
In line with a commitment to sustainability, the group aims to halve its net carbon emissions by 2030, ultimately achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Financial Implications and Forward Momentum
Valued at around USD 9 billion at list prices, these aircraft orders are not expected to exert significant pressure on the group’s capital expenditure in 2023 and 2024.
With a comprehensive medium-term plan in place, the Lufthansa Group anticipates net investments ranging between EUR 2.5 billion and EUR 3 billion in 2023.
The capital expenditure for 2024 is projected to remain at a similar level, underlining the group’s financial prudence in steering through this transformative phase.
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