COLOGNE- The Lufthansa Group (LH) is acquiring a total of 80 state-of-the-art short and medium-haul aircraft. The Executive Board of the company has made the following decisions:
- The procurement of 40 Airbus A220-300s with an additional 20 purchasing options.
- The procurement of 40 Boeing 737-8 MAX with an additional 60 purchasing options.
- Purchasing options for an additional 40 aircraft from the A320 family.
The Supervisory Board has granted approval for the acquisition today (December 19, 2023).
Lufthansa to Buy 737 MAX, A220s and A230s
Airbus A220-300:
The state-of-the-art Airbus A220-300 features 148 seats and boasts an impressive fuel consumption of around 2.5 liters per 100 passenger kilometers. This aircraft is designated for utilization by the newly established Lufthansa City Airlines, operating on short-haul routes from Frankfurt and Munich.
Equipped with ultra-modern geared turbofan engines from Pratt & Whitney, the A220-300 is well-suited for feeder traffic. The initial delivery of this aircraft is scheduled for 2026.
Boeing 737-8 MAX:
The Boeing 737-8 MAX represents the latest evolution and the fourth generation of the world’s most widely used commercial aircraft. Configured with 190 seats in Business and Economy Class, this aircraft, powered by efficient engines from CFM International, boasts a fuel consumption of only around 2.2 liters per 100 passenger kilometers.
Anticipated to arrive in the third quarter of 2027, these Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will be incorporated into one of the Lufthansa Group’s other flight operations, a decision to be determined later.
Airbus A320 Family:
In addition to the confirmed orders, the Lufthansa Group has secured 40 additional purchase options for aircraft from the A320 family. The A320 family, with approximately 450 aircraft currently in service across Lufthansa Group airlines, has established itself as a prominent choice for short- and medium-haul flights.
The delivery of 71 A320neo and A321neo aircraft, already on order, is expected in the coming years. With the inclusion of 40 purchase options, the Lufthansa Group is securing advantageous conditions for potential future orders as part of the Airbus offer.
CO2 Reducer and Economical
Dr. Detlef Kayser, Member of the Executive Board, Fleet and Technology, stated,
“With the current aircraft order, we are expediting the most extensive fleet modernization in our company’s history. This increases our existing order of approximately 200 aircraft to 280, with an additional 120 purchasing options for additional state-of-the-art short- and medium-haul aircraft. We are delighted that both Airbus and Boeing have successfully addressed all commercial and technological considerations. Furthermore, acquiring the Boeing 737-8 MAX will enhance our flexibility for future short- and medium-haul aircraft procurement. The new ultra-modern aircraft not only provide our passengers with added comfort but are also quieter, more cost-effective, and more efficient, and they emit up to 30 percent less CO2 than their predecessors. This order underscores our airlines’ future resilience and investment capability, demonstrating our commitment to reducing carbon emissions.”
The acquisition of new aircraft is the most impactful measure for reducing CO2 emissions.
Currently operating a fleet of over 700 commercial aircraft, the Lufthansa Group is committed to a comprehensive fleet strategy that prioritizes cost efficiency and emission reduction.
The newly added aircraft to the Lufthansa Group fleet boasts a remarkable up to 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to their predecessors, resulting in correspondingly lower carbon emissions.
As part of its ambitious environmental goals, the Lufthansa Group aims to cut its net carbon emissions by half by 2030, relative to the 2019 levels, ultimately achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The total value of the aircraft orders finalized today is approximately USD 9 billion at list prices. This expenditure is not anticipated to significantly impact the Group’s capital outlay during the 2023 and 2024 period covered by the current medium-term plan.
Net investments ranging between EUR 2.5 billion and EUR 3 billion are projected for 2023, with capital expenditure in 2024 expected to align at a similar level.
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