LONDON – The Lufthansa Group has announced today that it has signed a purchase agreement with Boeing for the brand new recently announced Boeing 777-8 Freighter and has also ordered an additional seven 787-9s increasing its total order book for the Dreamliner to 32 firm orders.
Boiengs 777X program proves popular with Lufthansa Group
In addition to the group’s decision to add the 777-8 freighter into its fleet, the group is also the launch customer for the 777X passenger variant, with it having a firm order of 20 for the aircraft.
Dr. Detlef Kayser, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG said: “The continuous modernization of Lufthansa Group’s long-haul fleet is one of our top priorities. Therefore, we are very pleased to further invest in the newest generation of Boeing aircraft.”
“The purchase will complement our existing orders and further reduce our operating costs, enhance fuel efficiency and provide state-of-the-art customer experiences. Moreover, the purchase highlights our commitment to enhancing sustainable aviation,”
Boeing launches the 777-8 Freighter back in January of this year and has already seen multiple carriers book 34 firm orders for the new freighter aircraft with the main focus seeming to be that the aircraft will be the next generation to replace the ageing 777 freighters operated around the world as the focus continues to be for carbon-neutral and reduced carbon footprint travel and services.
The first Boeing 777-8 Freighter is expected to enter service in 2027, which is a long lead time for airlines, especially now as Airbus expects their A350-1000 freighter to be in service by 2025, and with the cost of fuel rising it could mean that any delays post the 5 years leaves the potential for airlines to switch to the Airbus freighter.
To deal with the current increase in demand the Lufthansa group also included the purchase of an additional two 777 freighters, which they say will provide them with the additional cargo capacity that is needed in the near term until it is able to take delivery of its first 777-8 Freighter.
Boeing Focuses on 777 Success
Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing said: “With the selection of our newest freighter, Lufthansa continues its long history of firsts with Boeing airplane programs, becoming the first European customer for the 777-8 Freighter,”
“With the investment in the 777 and 787 fleet, the Lufthansa Group will operate the most advanced, fuel-efficient twin-engine airplanes in the industry. Each of these airplanes reduces emissions by 15 to 25% compared to previous models with a noise footprint up to 50% smaller than their predecessors, helping to advance the Lufthansa Group’s sustainability objectives.”
In a recent market outlook report, the U.S manufacturer projected the global freighter market to increase by around 70% by 2024, which would mean the need to introduce approximately 450 new widebody freighters, such as its 777-8 and 777 freighters.
Despite the positive news over today’s announcement and the continuous support for Boeing from the Lufthansa group, Boeing continues to remain in the hot seat with the delays in the 777X program raising doubts about the aircrafts long term success.
