Lufthansa famously operates a huge variety of aircraft. According to Planespotters.net, the Frankfurt-based airline currently has ten different aircraft types in service. Historically, the figure stretches to some 25 models, ranging from manufacturers such as Fokker, McDonnell Douglas, Embraer, Bombardier, to, of course, Boeing and Airbus. Indeed, Lufthansa has become known in part for its diverse fleet, and the future appears to be no different for the airline.
Today, Boeing and Airbus jets make up the majority of its ranks, with some Bombardier aircraft also used on short-haul routes. Looking ahead, Lufthansa has outlined plans to reduce the number types of aircraft it flies in a bid to cut operating costs. However, as is common in the industry, plans appear to have developed differently in practice. One example is its stacked order book for both Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft. Given that each represents bids by the respective major manufacturers to become the flagships of airlines’ fleets moving into the future, the pressing question is: Why has Lufthansa bet on both?
The A350 Versus The 777X
Airbus’ A350 and Boeing’s 777Xs represent two differing design philosophies on aircraft very much built for a similar purpose. That is, offering a new generation of aircraft that improve the economics of long-haul flight by boasting the likes of better aerodynamics and more efficient engines.
Built from a clean slate, the A350 was designed around a composite airframe with range in mind and first saw service in 2018. This makes it a known quantity against the 777X, which, after over six years of delays, has not yet made its way into active service. A mix of supply chain issues and a longer-than-expected certification process has left airlines estimating the first delivery in 2027, despite Boeing reportedly having produced 26 777Xs already as of last year. These themselves will boast higher capacities than the A350, thanks largely to their wider fuselage.
| Aircraft | 777-9 | A350-1000 |
| Length | 76.73m | 73.79m |
| Wingspan | 235 ft 5 in | 212 ft 5 in |
| Range | 7,285 nautical miles | 8,900 nautical miles |
| Engines | 2 GE9X | 2 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 |
| Thrust | 110,000 lbf per engine | 97,000 lbf per engine |
| Capacity (3 classes) | 426 | 410 |
| Max takeoff weight | 351.5 t | 322 t |
Lufthansa itself is slated to be the launch operator of the 777-9 when it does eventually come out, despite Emirates previously threatening to nab the role after racking up a bumper list of firm orders for the jet. In total, Lufthansa has orders in for 27 777X variants, consisting of 20 777-9 passenger aircraft and seven 777-8 freighters. It already has 30 A350s in operation, and was waiting on a further 29 orders as of last year, including 15 Airbus A350-1000s and 14 A350-900s.
Credits: Lufthansa
