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

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.