Airbus Updates No.1113

Lufthansa, Airbus’ biggest airline customer, commits to up to 55 A350s

A350 key to modernising Lufthansa’s long-haul fleet

19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

The Supervisory board of Lufthansa, Airbus’ biggest airline customer and operator, has decided to expand and modernise its long-haul fleet with a commitment for up to 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.

This landmark A350 order comes just six months after Lufthansa made the strategic decision to become an all-Airbus operator for its single-aisle fleet. So far in 2013, Airbus has won more firm orders from Lufthansa (125) in a single year than ever before. Taking all commitments (firm and options) into account the figure rises to 232 aircraft – one more than the 231 Airbus aircraft currently in operation with the Lufthansa Airline.

‘’The A350 XWB suits Lufthansa’s entire network regarding size and range, and will be key to modernising our fleet while significantly reducing operational costs and our environmental footprint,” said Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President, Lufthansa Group Fleet Management. “These quiet and fuel-efficient aircraft will fit nicely into our existing Airbus fleet, and our passengers will be able to enjoy seamless service and comfort levels throughout our entire product range.”

“We are honoured that such a long-standing and prestigious customer as Lufthansa is coming back for more Airbus aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “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.”

Lufthansa’s decision today underpins the Group’s status as Airbus’ largest airline customer and operator, with to date 535 aircraft ordered and 397 currently in operation within the Group. The latter include: 282 A320 Family, 42 A330s, 63 A340s, and 10 A380s. Lufthansa has recently announced an order for 100 A320 Family aircraft to switch its Single-Aisle Fleet in the 150-230 size category entirely to Airbus.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The new Family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat-width for long range passenger comfort, will also bring a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB to date has already won 682 firm orders from 35 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1037

Lufthansa firms up order for 100 A320 Family aircraft

Largest Airbus airline customer and operator in Europe

17 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

The Lufthansa Group has firmed up a previous Supervisory Board decision from March this year and signed for 100 A320 Family aircraft (35 A320neo, 35 A321neo and 30 A320ceo with Sharklets) at the Paris International Airshow in Le Bourget, France. 

The Lufthansa Group has been operating the A320 Family since October 1989. They were the launching customer for the A321 and belonged to the first operators of the A319 and A320. The new order confirms Lufthansa’s leading position as the largest Airbus airline customer and operator in Europe, increasing its order for the A320 type to 299. Over 150 of these aircraft have already been delivered. 

“These modern and fuel-efficient aircraft will meet the future growth and fleet renewal needs of the Lufthansa Group airlines. By purchasing these aircraft, we will be able in the long term to offer customers a comfortable and modern product in the highly competitive environment. In addition, these aircraft are contributing significantly to reduce noise and emissions wherever we fly our aircraft to”, said Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President, Lufthansa Group Fleet Management.

“Lufthansa is a loyal customer, and has been operating our aircraft for almost 40 years. We are extremely pleased to receive this repeat order and thank our prestigious customer for their continuing strong commitment to our eco-efficient products. The A320 Family represents the highest level of operational performance while also offering Lufthansa passengers superior level of comfort and services,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. 

The A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent of the single aisle market in just over two years since it was launched, clearly demonstrating its market leadership. Incorporating new engines and Sharklets these new aircraft are set to deliver fuel savings of 15 percent. In addition, the A320neo Family will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The A320neo will enter into service from late 2015, followed by the A319neo and A321neo in 2016. The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft family. To date, nearly 9,500 aircraft have been ordered and close to 5,600 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide. 

Airbus Updates No.944

Lufthansa Supervisory Board gives go-ahead for major Airbus order

• 100 A320 Family aircraft and two additional A380s

• Third A380 order from the German flag carrier

14 March 2013Press Release

The Lufthansa’s Supervisory Board has approved the acquisition of 100 A320 Family aircraft (35 A320neo, 35 A321neo and 30 A320ceo with Sharklets) and two A380s worth approximately US$ 11.2 billion at list prices. The engine choices will be announced by the airline at a later date.

This latest acquisition reconfirms the Lufthansa Group as Airbus’ largest airline customer, with a total of 532 aircraft ordered. Today the Lufthansa Group is also Airbus’ biggest operator worldwide with 385 Airbus aircraft currently in service. These include: 271 A320 Family, 41 A330s, 63 A340s, and 10 A380s.

‘’The A380 fulfills all our expectations, it’s a very reliable aircraft and our passengers’ feedback is excellent,” said Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President, Lufthansa Group Fleet Management. “We are delighted to add again two more A380s to our fleet and together with the 100 new A320 Family aircraft these new jets will contribute to cutting our operational costs significantly while reducing our environmental footprint and offering our passengers a benchmark travel comfort thanks to the widest cabins in their respective fleet category.”

“We thank Lufthansa for their continuing strong confidence in our market leading aircraft,“ said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “This third A380 order is a clear sign that the aircraft is working well for our prestigious customer Lufthansa. I am equally pleased, that with this order we are getting close to 2,000 NEO orders in just over two years, proving this jet is clearly the single aisle aircraft of choice.”

The A320neo and A320ceo Family aircraft will be used for Lufthansa Groups’ network development and fleet modernisation. While the CEO with Sharklets will deliver a four per cent fuel burn reduction, the NEO will contribute to cutting Lufthansa’s fuel burn by another 15 per cent. On top the A380 demonstrates a 12 per cent fuel burn reduction compared to its nearest competitor.

Over 36 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board one of the 1oo A380 delivered so far. With 140 flights per day to date, the entire fleet has accumulated by now 100,000 revenue flights and 850,000 flight hours.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. Today more than 9,150 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,450 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide.