• 

  Lufthansa

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  LH/DLH

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport

  Year Founded:

  1953

  Alliance:

  Star Alliance

  Airline Group:

  Lufthansa Group

  CEO:

  Carsten Spohr

  Country:

  Germany

Celebrating the move of its entire Airbus A350-900 fleet to its new home at Munich Airport earlier this month, Lufthansa has christened its newest jet as “Munich.”The A350, registered D-AIVC, is one of four former Philippine Airlines aircraft set to join the German flag carrier through 2022 as it expands its widebody fleet. It is set to replace the less-efficient Airbus A340 quad jets on routes to Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver in Canada.In his address during the jet's christening, Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, stated,

“The A350 is the quietest and most fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft in our fleet. With a significantly improved Business Class on board, this aircraft also represents the beginning of one of the largest product modernizations in Lufthansa's history. This aircraft is sustainable and offers customers a premium flight experience. The "Munich" is a worthy ambassador of the Bavarian capital to the world."

More About Munich

It is the 18th A350 to join the airline and the sixth to be dubbed “Munich.” “Munich” has been serving with the airline for over 60 years, with the first, a Boeing 707 registered D-ABODF, joining Lufthansa in October 1960. The previous “Munich,” an Airbus A380 registered D-AIMB, left the carrier during the pandemic after ten years in service.

The current "Munich" is the first to offer Lufthansa’s improved business class offerings ahead of a complete, extensive renewal of all cabins. The carrier will introduce a new “top product” across all travel classes from next year.

Discover more aviation news here.

While the current Lufthansa business class features 2-2-2 seating, Munich boasts a 1-2-1 layout, providing premium passengers with direct aisle access.

The new offering will cut down the number of premium seats available on Lufthansa aircraft, reducing from 48 to 30; however, travelers will notice improved comfort. The cabin provides significantly more space, with seats easily convertible into two-meter-long beds and additional storage capacity.

Improvements in sustainability

By the end of 2022, Lufthansa is expected to take three more A350s, bringing its fleet of the type up to 21 aircraft, with a further 25 scheduled from 2023. The carrier has moved to modernize its current fleet, with the A350 providing significantly improved economics over its current fuel-guzzling Boeing 747s and A340s. By 2025, Lufthansa anticipates its proportion of quad jets in its long-haul fleet will decrease to just 15%, compared to 50% pre-pandemic.

With a range of up to 9,700NM, the A350-900 uses around 2.5 liters of fuel per passenger for each 100km flown, reducing emissions by 30 percent compared to its predecessors.

Speaking during the A350s move to Munich Airport earlier this month, Dr. Detlef Kayser, Member of the Executive Board Deutsche Lufthansa AG, added,

"The Airbus A350 is one of the most modern aircraft of our time. Extremely fuel-efficient, very quiet and much more economical than its predecessors. Our customers appreciate not only the sustainability but also the premium flight experience with this aircraft.”

Have you flown on a Lufthansa A350? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments.