Lufthansa’s first Boeing 787-9 has taken to the air, as the airline takes delivery of the first unit from Boeing.
The first Boeing 787, registered D-ABPA, landed at Frankfurt Airport today. The aircraft was originally built for another airline (which is understood to be Hainan Airways/Vistara) but had not been transferred into the carrier’s fleet. The cabin with seats in Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class will be refurbished in Lufthansa’s colours and design over the next few weeks.
It will also introduce another business class product aboard the Lufthansa fleet, All seats have direct access to the aisle, can be quickly and easily converted into a two-meter-long bed, and offer more storage space. In addition, travellers have significantly more space in the shoulder area.
The newest member of Lufthansa’s long-haul fleet will then be deployed in October, initially from Frankfurt for training purposes on domestic German routes. The first intercontinental scheduled destination of the Lufthansa 787 will be Toronto.
Lufhtansa Boeing 787-9 – Image, The Boeing Company
Boeing and Lufthansa have been partners for 90 years, during which Lufthansa has often been the launch customer for new aircraft models, such as the Boeing 737, 747-230F and the 747-8. The Lufthansa group is due to receive a total of 32 Boeing Dreamliners. They are also a customer of the Boeing 777-9, with firm orders for 20 of the type, as well as a firm order for seven of the new 777-8 Freighter.
In Quotes
Jens Ritter, CEO Lufthansa Airlines said
“With the Boeing 787, we are introducing another modern aircraft type that is one of the most fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft in our fleet. This will allow us to further improve the average CO2 balance. This aircraft is sustainable and offers customers a premium flying experience,” s.
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes added
“Today’s delivery to the Lufthansa Group is a significant milestone for both companies as we resume European 787 deliveries and Lufthansa receives its first 787. I am delighted to see Lufthansa join a growing set of airlines worldwide operating the industry’s most capable twin-engine airplane,”
“With unmatched fuel efficiency and huge passenger appeal, the 787 will play an integral role in the Lufthansa Group’s long-haul network.”
One interesting titbit.
In the cabin notes of the business class, it seems there is a major refresh ahead. In quotes
Next year, the airline will introduce a new top-of-the-line product, co-developed by Lufthansa, in all travel classes – Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class – that is unparalleled in the market.
Whilst we have seen promises of the “new” business class appear initially on the Boeing 777-9, with noises that it will appear well before then. But that is only just one cabin.
From the looks of it – we may be seeing a new product in the air soon – giving Lufthansa a chance to rationalise the different business class seats it will have in its fleet at that point,
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