Lufthansa commits $7.7 billion to purchase 20 long‑haul aircraft

Lufthansa Group has placed an order for 20 additional long‑haul aircraft from Airbus and Boeing as part of its fleet‑modernisation programme.

The airline disclosed that the order consists of 10 Airbus A350‑900s and 10 Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliners, with a total list‑price value of roughly $7.7 bn.

Deliveries are slated for the period 2032‑2034, and the new planes will replace older long‑haul jets across the group’s fleet.

Lufthansa indicated that it has not yet decided which airlines or hubs will receive the aircraft.

The company added that the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG approved the order on May 11, following an earlier decision by the Executive Board to move forward with the purchase.

Carsten Spohr, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Group, said the order demonstrates the company’s commitment to modernising its fleet and reducing carbon emissions.

“By ordering 20 additional long‑haul aircraft, we are making a sustainable investment in the future of the Lufthansa Group,” Spohr said. “It is a clear commitment to a modern fleet, to premium quality, and to further reducing CO2 emissions.”

He highlighted that the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 models are more fuel‑efficient, quieter, and generate lower emissions than the older aircraft they will replace.

The airline noted that the new aircraft will help standardise the long‑haul fleet, enhance operational flexibility, and lower maintenance and operating costs.

Lufthansa said the order raises its total aircraft backlog to 232, including 107 next‑generation long‑haul aircraft.

The long‑haul renewal programme currently comprises Airbus A350‑900s, A350‑1000s, Boeing 787‑9s, Boeing 777‑9s, and 777‑8 Freighters.

Its existing fleet also includes older Airbus A330s, A340s, and Boeing 747 aircraft, which are expected to be phased out over the coming years.

Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with more than eight years of experience covering politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His reporting focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that aim to inspire reform and amplify under‑represented voices. Akinlotan’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact‑driven journalism.