As the launch airline for the Airbus A320neo, Lufthansa took delivery of its fifth new-generation aircraft at the end of December. The German airline has positioned this more fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft on its domestic routes from Frankfurt as well as on several European routes, notably to Oslo, Stockholm and Barcelona. Ten more of these single-aisle aircraft, which can seat 180 passengers, are due to enter the Lufthansa fleet this year, and even more in the future, since the German airline has placed an order with the European aeronautics group for 116 A320neo family aircraft.
In another major development, the German airline welcomed its first Airbus A350-900 at the end of last year in Munich. This aircraft will enhance and modernise Lufthansa's long-haul fleet, with ten aircraft eventually to be positioned on the Munich hub. "The A350-900 is the most modern and technologically advanced aircraft a commercial pilot can fly," said captain Martin Hoell at the welcome flight. Offering 48 seats in Business, 21 in Premium Economy and 224 in Economy, the A350-900 will enter service on 10 February between Munich and Delhi, and will then be positioned on routes to Boston from March.
The aircraft will contribute to the strengthening of transatlantic routes from Munich planned for the 2017 summer season, with Lufthansa offering daily flights to Montreal and Denver. Service to Nantes is another of next summer's new destinations. From 28 March, the city will be linked to Munich with six weekly flights. The German airline will also be offering increased frequencies to Dublin and Geneva, as well as the launch of a route to Marrakech, with two services a week.
