FRANKFURT- Lufthansa (LH) is evaluating another order for either the Airbus A350-1000 or the Boeing 777-9 as part of its ongoing long haul fleet modernization. The future order is expected to benefit either Airbus or Boeing, but not both.
Lufthansa is reviewing its next widebody aircraft purchase while Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC) remain central to its future long haul operations. The airline continues to balance fleet growth with aircraft delivery timelines and network efficiency.
Lufthansa Reviews Next Widebody Aircraft Order
The Lufthansa Group is preparing to place another long-haul aircraft order as it continues to modernize its passenger fleet.
According to Aero Telegraph, citing Aviation Week and statements made by Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr during an internal event, the airline plans to order additional Airbus A350-1000 or Boeing 777-9 aircraft next year. Spohr did not disclose how many aircraft could be included in the order.
The potential purchase would strengthen Lufthansa’s long-term fleet renewal strategy while determining whether Airbus or Boeing secures the airline’s next widebody order.
For several years, Lufthansa’s long haul fleet renewal plan focused on three passenger aircraft types: the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 787-9, and Boeing 777-9. The larger Airbus A350-1000 was not originally included in the airline’s fleet strategy.
However, repeated certification and delivery delays affecting the Boeing 777-9 prompted Lufthansa to expand its options. In 2023, the airline placed an order for ten Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. A follow up order in 2024 increased the total commitment from 10 to 15 aircraft.
According to Carsten Spohr, Lufthansa now expects to receive its first Airbus A350-1000 in October 2026, earlier than previously anticipated.
Boeing 777-9 Delivery Delays
Lufthansa is also awaiting deliveries of its Boeing 777-9 fleet, although the aircraft program has experienced multiple delays.
The first Boeing 777-9 is currently expected to be delivered during the first quarter of 2027 following another slight delay. Despite this schedule, Lufthansa no longer expects to introduce the aircraft on long haul routes during the 2027 summer season.
Instead, the airline plans to extend the operational life of selected Airbus A340-300 aircraft to maintain capacity until the new widebody aircraft enter service.
If Lufthansa selects the Boeing 777-9 for its next order, the aircraft are expected to be based primarily in Frankfurt.
An additional Airbus A350-1000 order could see the aircraft divided between Frankfurt and Munich.
So far, Lufthansa has not received any Airbus A350-1000 or Boeing 777-9 aircraft from its existing orders.
Fleet Simplification and Network Changes
Alongside fleet renewal, Lufthansa Airline is continuing efforts to simplify its European network and improve operational efficiency.
According to Spohr, the airline plans to remove 15 additional aircraft from its fleet in 2027. Lufthansa also intends to discontinue additional unprofitable routes as part of its network optimization strategy.
Earlier this year, Spohr announced plans in March to place another long haul aircraft order. In May, Lufthansa confirmed orders for ten additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft and ten Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
These aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2032 and 2034 and will further support the airline’s long term fleet modernization program.
Cargo Fleet Strategy
In addition to passenger aircraft, Lufthansa Group continues to invest in its cargo operations.
The group has ordered the Boeing 777-8F freighter for its subsidiary, Lufthansa Cargo. Lufthansa Group has not placed an order for the Airbus A350F and is not currently a customer for Airbus’ next generation freighter aircraft.
Bottom Line
Lufthansa continues to modernize its long haul fleet while balancing delivery schedules, operational requirements, and future growth.
Its next aircraft order will determine whether additional Airbus A350-1000 or Boeing 777-9 aircraft join the fleet, reinforcing the airline’s long-term strategy to operate a more efficient and modern widebody network.
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