… and it doesn’t take a genius to work out both Boeing and Airbus will be in the picture for the order
Lufthansa’s supervisory board has given clearance for negotiations to begin with the aircraft manufactures for the 100 narrow-body aircraft (single isle) and 8 wide-body (twin isle) aircraft.
Which way Lufthansa goes will be an interesting question – In terms of fleet it operates one hell of a mixed back from both manufacturers:
- From Airbus: A319, A320, A321, A330, A340, A380
- From Boeing 737-300, 737-500, 747-400, 747-8i
In the narrow-body race, there could be an indication what could happen as Lufthansa has placed an order for 25 A320neo and 5 A321neo (New Engine Option)aircraft. In the past Lufthansa was a Boeing narrow-body customer until Airbus’s A320 product came – and took the custom. As the transition could be swift, more A320neo/A319neo/A321neo aircraft could be on the way if the negotiations go well. Of course, there’s always the new 737-MAX series that is coming from Boeing that could spoil the party if its priced low enough.
Whatever happens, Lufthansa’s fleet of 737 classics will be withdrawn by 2016 – a bit late for the 737-MAX’s to arrive (due 2017) whilst the Airbus neo aircraft should be rolling off the production line from 2015.
Of course, there is the left-field view that Bombardier could sneak in with its CSeries aircraft…
The wide-body side is a much more interesting side with Lufthansa selecting different aircraft for different missions as can be seen above. The last wide-body purchases for Lufthansa were the 747-8i’s, and it will depend what capacity the airline is looking to increase or replace.
As the new generation of long haul aircraft are coming on-line, efficiency is becoming the name of the game – transporting the most passengers for the least amount of fuel to make the most money. It also depends if Lufthansa is going for expansion or replacement.
Could this open the path to the A350… or the quietly talked about upgraded 777… or even the 787? This will be interesting to watch, no matter what Lufthansa winds up buying…
I think Lufthansa’s diverse fleet is due to it’s desire to feed the aircraft maint business with a wide variety of planes. Lufthansa Technik is probably the most competent and respected aircraft support provider in the world. The more platforms they can support the better. This is why Lufthansa does not shy away from a diverse fleet or from being a launch customer. I hope they give the Cseries a look though. It is ideal to replace the 737 classic.