Lufthansa has announced a large long-haul aircraft order, split between Airbus and Boeing, which will allow it to ultimately replace its A340 and 747-400 fleets.
The Airbus order comprises 55 A350-900 aircraft (25 firm and 30 options). Lufthansa also has the flexibility to convert some of the order to the larger A350-1000.
From Boeing, Lufthansa will purchase 34 777-9X aircraft, allowing the launch of the type.
“We are focused on developing and delivering a superior airplane that ensures the 777 remains the unequivocal long-haul leader,” said John Wojick, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With its new engines and an all-new composite wing design, the 777X will be the largest and most-efficient twin engine jet in the world with 20 percent lower fuel consumption and 15 percent lower operating costs than today’s 777. Boeing is delighted that Lufthansa is continuing its longstanding partnership with Boeing by selecting the 777X for its future fleet development.”
Meanwhile, John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers said “We are honoured that such a long-standing and prestigious customer as Lufthansa is coming back for more Airbus aircraft,” adding “The all-new A350 XWBs, will integrate very well into the Group’s existing Airbus fleet. From the A319 to the A380 size category, Lufthansa will benefit from latest technologies and efficiency levels, an unmatched wider cabin, operational flexibility and cost-savings – enhanced by the unique fleet commonality only Airbus offers.”
Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB to date has already won 682 firm orders from 35 customers worldwide.
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