Lufthansa's first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has been spotted rolling out of Boeing's facilities. The flag carrier of Germany has 25 units of the popular widebody on order and has its eyes on transatlantic adventures with the type this year.
Highly anticipated
Last fall marked ten years since the first Boeing 787 delivery. The lucky initial receiver was Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA). The aircraft went on to become a hit all over the world, with over 1,000 units produced. The likes of American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines are among the major carriers with significant holdings of the twinjet.
Now, another global carrier is soon to receive its first unit of the type. In March 2019, Lufthansa placed an order for 20 787s, with another five ordered last May. Following the order, registration D-ABPE was spotted at Boeing's site in Charleston, South Carolina, this week.
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Changes in the schedule
The first arrival is set to head to Toronto, Canada, and was initially expected by Christmas last year. However, the carrier conceded that a 2022 delivery would be more realistic following industry challenges, including FAA restrictions.
Boeing has not delivered any new 787 to commercial airlines since May 2021 as safety regulators found production flaws in the aircraft. Additionally, the FAA halted deliveries of the plane in 2020 due to production issues. Earlier this week, we reported that the FAA intends to remove Boeing's right to self-certify the type. Overall, key customers, including American Airlines, have had their schedules impacted as a result of the saga.
A welcome addition
Regardless, there is notable excitement from the Lufthansa camp about its incoming aircraft. It is giving its first unit the name of Berlin, paying homage to the capital of the company’s home country. All in all, Lufthansa is looking forward to the comfort and economic benefits to be had with the plane.
Lufthansa shared the following in a recent statement:
“The German capital will receive a new “flying” ambassador: Lufthansa is naming its first Boeing 787-9 "Berlin.” The naming ceremony is set to take place following delivery of the aircraft next year. "Berlin" is the first of five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners" that Lufthansa will add to its fleet in 2022. The ultra-modern long-haul aircraft consume on average only 2.5 liters of kerosene per passenger and 100 kilometers flown. That is around 30 percent less than predecessor aircraft. The CO2 emissions are also greatly improved.”
The 787 has proved its value on long-haul journeys across the continent. Despite only being in action for just over a decade, it has become a flagship in many fleets, and its attention is expected to continue throughout the decade. A Lufthansa spokesperson told Simple Flying that it expects to enter the 787-9 in the second quarter of this year.
What are your thoughts about Lufthansa’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner order? How do you feel the aircraft will fit in the airline’s fleet following the first delivery this year? Let us know what you think of the plane and its prospects with the carrier in the comment section.