The Lufthansa Group has expanded its Airbus A350-1000 order from ten to fifteen aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030.
This latest order is valued at approximately two billion US dollars at list price. It further strengthens Lufthansa’s position as one of the world’s largest A350 customers. Currently, the airline fields a combined fleet of 60 A350-900s and 15 A350-1000s.
Lufthansa Fleet Modernization
As Germany’s flag carrier and one of Europe’s premier airlines, Lufthansa has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fleet modernization.
The airline, founded in 1953, has grown from a post-war startup to become one of the world’s leading aviation groups. Today it encompasses several major carriers including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
Carsten Spohr, Chairman and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG commented on the new widebody order. “This order reflects our unwavering commitment to our successful partnership with Airbus,” he said. “These advanced A350 aircraft represent the cornerstone of our largest-ever fleet modernization program.”
“We’re making unprecedented investments to enhance sustainability, meet our carbon reduction goals, and deliver an exceptional travel experience for our customers.”
The Lufthansa Group’s relationship with Airbus continues to deepen. It now has historical orders totaling 770 aircraft, making it Airbus’s biggest customer globally.
The upcoming integration of ITA Airways in January will further expand the Group’s Airbus fleet by adding 100 short- and long-haul aircraft, significantly strengthening Lufthansa’s presence in the important Italian market.
Current Fleet and Order Book
The Lufthansa Group currently operates around 740 commercial aircraft across its network spanning 197 destinations in 84 countries. It is implementing a comprehensive fleet strategy that prioritizes premium quality, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
The Group’s order book now includes approximately 250 new fuel-efficient aircraft, with 100 of these being next-generation long-haul planes.
Replacement for Aging Four-Engine Aircraft
These modern twin-engine aircraft will gradually replace aging four-engine models, including the Boeing 747-400, Airbus A340-600, and Airbus A340-300.
The new fleet additions demonstrate remarkable efficiency, consuming up to 35 percent less fuel and producing significantly lower CO₂ emissions compared to their predecessors.
The A350-1000, in particular, represents the latest in aviation technology, featuring advanced aerodynamics, a carbon fiber fuselage and wings, and next-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
These improvements not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance passenger comfort through lower cabin noise, improved air quality, and reduced jet lag effects.
Environmental Targets
Through these fleet improvements and other initiatives, the Lufthansa Group aims to achieve ambitious environmental targets. It seeks to reduce net CO₂ emissions by 50 percent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, and achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2050.
This commitment aligns with the group’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes investments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and operational efficiency improvements.
Summary
As one of Europe’s largest airline groups, Lufthansa Group currently fields approximately 109,000 employees worldwide and shows a pre-pandemic annual passenger count exceeding 145 million.
Lufthansa’s fleet modernization program represents a significant step forward in the aviation industry’s journey toward sustainability. The airline shows an attention to the high standards of service and reliability that have defined it throughout its history.
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