Lufthansa confirms combined Boeing and Airbus order for up to 200 aircraft

BY IAN MOLYNEAUX

Lufthansa order boeing airbus

Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group has announced that it has placed aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus for a total of up to 200 jets. 

Announced on December 19, 2023, Lufthansa said the orders are respectively for 40 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, with the option for 60 more in the future and 40 Airbus A220-300s for Lufthansa City Airlines, with the potential for an additional 20 more. The agreement with Airbus also included an option to order 40 aircraft from the Airbus A320 family.

“The Lufthansa Group was one of the first customers for the A220 and has successfully operated the aircraft in its SWISS route network ever since. We are delighted by this testimony of confidence from our long-standing partner and customer,” Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, said. “As the only clean sheet design aircraft and specifically designed for the 100-150 seat market the A220 is the most efficient solution in its category to support Lufthansa Group meeting its exciting airline development and sustainability objectives.”

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The cumulated firm deals are confirmed as costing $9 billion with deliveries of the aircraft expected from 2026 to 2032.

Lufthansa said that through the order it is “accelerating the largest fleet modernization” in the airline’s history.

“We are pleased that both Airbus and Boeing were able to convince us on all commercial and technological aspects,” said Detlef Kayser, Member of Lufthansa’s Executive Board, responsible for commercial and technical fleet management. “In addition to this, the decision for the Boeing 737-8 MAX will also give us more flexibility for the procurement of short- and medium-haul aircraft in the future. The new ultra-modern aircraft offer our guests additional comfort.”

The 40 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 40 Airbus A220-300s bring Lufthansa Group firm orders from around 200 to 280 aircraft.

“Our relationship with the Lufthansa Group has led to a number of industry changing achievements and we are delighted to see the 737 return to an original launch customer’s fleet,” Stan Deal, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said. “The Lufthansa Group has set bold targets to decarbonize its operations. The 737-8 will help the Lufthansa Group meet those sustainability targets with significant improvements in fuel use, emissions, and community noise impacts, all while reducing costs for the airline.”

The Lufthansa Group’s current Boeing order backlog includes firm orders for 34 787 Dreamliners, seven 777-8 Freighters and 20 777-9 planes.