Aerospace

Lufthansa orders 80 new Airbus and Boeing planes worth USD 9 billion

The Lufthansa Group is set to acquire a total of 80 cutting-edge short and medium-haul aircraft, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s history. The Executive Board has made strategic decisions including:

Purchasing 40 Airbus A220-300s with 20 options.
Buying 40 Boeing 737-8 MAX with 60 options.
Securing options for 40 more A320 family aircraft.

The Supervisory Board approved the acquisition. Dr. Detlef Kayser, from the Executive Board, said it’s the biggest fleet modernization, adding flexibility and reducing emissions.

Both Airbus and Boeing successfully addressed commercial and technological considerations, providing Lufthansa with flexibility for future short- and medium-haul aircraft procurement. The newly ordered ultra-modern aircraft promises enhanced passenger comfort, reduced noise, increased fuel efficiency, and up to a 30% decrease in CO2 emissions compared to previous models.

Key details:

Airbus A220-300:

This advanced aircraft, tailored for Lufthansa City Airlines, features 148 seats and consumes approximately 2.5 liters of fuel per 100 passenger kilometers. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, it will operate on short-haul routes from Frankfurt and Munich.

Boeing 737-8 MAX:

As the fourth generation of the world’s most widely used commercial aircraft, the Boeing 737-8 MAX boasts 190 seats in Business and Economy Class. With efficient engines from CFM International, it is expected to consume only around 2.2 liters per 100 passenger kilometers. The first delivery is anticipated in the third quarter of 2027.

Lufthansa Group today announced a landmark 737 MAX order for up to 100 jets that will see Europe’s largest airline group restore the Boeing 737 family into its fleet. The commitment includes a firm order for 40 737-8 airplanes with 60 options.

Airbus A320 Family:

In addition to confirmed orders, the Lufthansa Group secured 40 purchase options for the Airbus A320 family aircraft, a well-established model with around 450 units currently in service. These options ensure favorable conditions for future orders as part of the Airbus offer.

Around USD 9 billion at list price:

This move supports Lufthansa’s long-term strategy for cost efficiency and emissions reduction. The $9 billion orders won’t significantly impact capital expenditure in 2023 and 2024. Lufthansa Group is committed to halving net carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.