Lufthansa has placed an order for 102 Airbus aircraft, in a deal worth more than US$11 billion at list prices.
The German national carrier has confirmed plans to purchase 30 A320, 35 A320neo and 35 A321neo single-aisle aircraft, as well as two double-decker A380s. The deal confirms the Lufthansa Group’s position as Airbus’ largest customer, with a total of 532 aircraft ordered, and 385 currently in service.
“The A380 fulfils all our expectations. It’s a very reliable aircraft and our passengers’ feedback is excellent,” said Nico Buchholz, Lufthansa’s Executive Vice President for Fleet Management. “We are delighted to add again two more A380s to our fleet and together with the 100 new A320 family aircraft these new jets will contribute to cutting our operational costs significantly while reducing our environmental footprint and offering our passengers a benchmark travel comfort thanks to the widest cabins in their respective fleet category.”
Lufthansa currently operates a fleet of 271 A320 series aircraft, plus 41 A330s, 63 A340s and 10 A380s. It also operates the Boeing 737, B747-400 and new B747-8 Intercontinental, while Lufthansa Group member SWISS recently placed its first Boeing order, for six B777-300ERs.
“We thank Lufthansa for their continuing strong confidence in our market leading aircraft,“ said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer for Customers. “This third A380 order is a clear sign that the aircraft is working well for our prestigious customer Lufthansa. I am equally pleased, that with this order we are getting close to [A320]neo orders in just over two years, proving this jet is clearly the single aisle aircraft of choice.”
