- Lufthansa revives its Airbus A380 fleet, set to fly into the 2030s, with upgraded Business Class cabins.
- The A380's return was propelled by the resurgence of international demand and delays in new aircraft deliveries.
- Lufthansa has outlined new routes for the A380, including service between Munich and major cities like Boston, New York, and Los Angeles.
Lufthansa Rejuvenates A380 Fleet: Upgraded Business Class Cabins and Extended Service Life
FRANKFURT —Lufthansa's Airbus A380 fleet, once deemed obsolete during the pandemic's peak, is experiencing a renaissance, aligning with the growing trend of leading airlines worldwide. Just last month, Emirates showcased its revamped A380 Premium Economy cabin, which has already witnessed over 160,000 passengers. This month, Lufthansa shared its ambitious plans to not only keep its A380 fleet operational until the 2030s but also to furnish them with a state-of-the-art Business Class cabin.
Given Germany's pivotal role in Airbus's establishment, Lufthansa's keen interest in the A380 comes as no surprise. The airline had acquired 14 of these mammoth aircraft. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delivered a crushing blow to the aviation industry, leading Lufthansa to transfer its entire A380 fleet into extended storage in September 2020. These planes were stationed in Spain and France, with six of the older models seemingly sold or possibly reclaimed by Airbus for parts.
Yet, as the pandemic receded, Lufthansa reversed its course. In June, the airline declared its intention to reactivate its A380s. With international travel regaining traction and unforeseen delays in the delivery of new aircraft models like the Boeing B777-9 and Airbus A350, Lufthansa's decision to retain its A380 fleet seems strategic. Lufthansa Group Chief Executive Carsten Spohr highlighted that the full fleet of eight would be back in operation, complete with new business amenities.
Currently, Lufthansa operates three A380s, with an intention to have all eight airborne by 2025. The aircraft are primarily positioned in Munich, operating routes that capitalize on the 509-seat capacity. As of now, destinations include Boston and New York, and by late October 2023, the service will extend to Los Angeles and Bangkok. Plans for spring and summer 2024 incorporate a daily service to Boston, Delhi, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC.
Lufthansa's upcoming Business Class offering, termed the Allegris Business Class, promises enhanced comfort. The unique seat layout ensures direct aisle access for all business class passengers. The seats will be available in diverse configurations, including Single Business Suite, Classic Seat, Double Business Suite, Extra Space Seat, Extra Long Bed, and a Private Seat equipped with a Baby Bassinet. The first installation will grace a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2024, followed by an Airbus A350, and eventually, it will be introduced into the Airbus A380s and the Boeing 747-8s.
Interestingly, Lufthansa’s existing A380 aircraft features a unique amenity exclusive to the airline: urinals in the First Class lavatories, marking them as the only such facilities on commercial aircraft. Details regarding the pricing of the new Business Class cabin remain under wraps, though it is described as a "multi-million" dollar investment. As Spohr emphasized, the costs, although substantial, are essential to ensure lasting profitability.
In wrapping up, reintroducing the Airbus A380 required considerable resources and effort from Lufthansa, as Dirk Janzen, Lufthansa Vice President of Sales in the Americas, confirmed. However, for the passionate followers of the Airbus A380, these investments and upgrades to ensure the aircraft's prolonged operation are a worthy expenditure.
Lufthansa's upcoming Business Class offering, termed the Allegris Business Class, promises enhanced comfort. The unique seat layout ensures direct aisle access for all business class passengers. The seats will be available in diverse configurations, including Single Business Suite, Classic Seat, Double Business Suite, Extra Space Seat, Extra Long Bed, and a Private Seat equipped with a Baby Bassinet. The first installation will grace a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2024, followed by an Airbus A350, and eventually, it will be introduced into the Airbus A380s and the Boeing 747-8s.
Interestingly, Lufthansa’s existing A380 aircraft features a unique amenity exclusive to the airline: urinals in the First Class lavatories, marking them as the only such facilities on commercial aircraft. Details regarding the pricing of the new Business Class cabin remain under wraps, though it is described as a "multi-million" dollar investment. As Spohr emphasized, the costs, although substantial, are essential to ensure lasting profitability.
In wrapping up, reintroducing the Airbus A380 required considerable resources and effort from Lufthansa, as Dirk Janzen, Lufthansa Vice President of Sales in the Americas, confirmed. However, for the passionate followers of the Airbus A380, these investments and upgrades to ensure the aircraft's prolonged operation are a worthy expenditure.
