Freight Lufthansa orders 10 new Boeing freighters, adds 787s

Boeing and Lufthansa Group have signed a purchase agreement for a total of 17 long-range aircraft. The German carrier will take delivery of seven Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, three Boeing 777F freighter and seven Boeing 777-8F freighter.

The decision to purchase the seven 787-9s came, after Boeing had to announce a further delay in production of the 777-9 aircraft, of which Lufthansa would have been the launch operator. Originally scheduled for 2023, the manufacturer had to push the entry into service until 2025. It is not the first time Boeing has to delay an aircraft due to production problems.

To compensate for the 1,5-year delay of the 777-9 aircraft, Lufthansa will introduce seven 787-9s, which will be delivered between 2023 and 2024. The 777-9s, of which the German airline has ordered 20 aircraft, will be delivered between 2025 and 2026.

The newly ordered freighters have been ordered to meet the ever-growing demand for air freight. As global supply chains are continuously disrupted, Lufthansa seeks to maximise its operations in this profitable market.

Boeing´s 777-8F freighter is the newest freighter aircraft from Boeing and is based on the 777-8 passenger version. The aircraft features modern technologies which are based on the Boeing 777X. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2027.

„With the selection of our newest freighter, Lufthansa continues its long history of firsts with Boeing airplane programs, becoming the first European customer for the 777-8 Freighter,“ said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. „With the investment in the 777 and 787 fleet, the Lufthansa Group will operate the most advanced, fuel-efficient twin-engine airplanes in the industry. Each of these airplanes reduces emissions by 15 to 25% compared to previous models with a noise footprint up to 50% smaller than their predecessors, helping to advance the Lufthansa Group's sustainability objectives.“

Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, commented: „We continue investing in more fuel-efficient, quieter and more economical aircraft that emit significantly less CO2. This enables us to drive our fleet modernization. By purchasing these state-of-the-art aircraft, we again underline Lufthansa Group's ability to invest in and shape the future. Once again, we are again taking the initiative and expanding our leadership role as well as taking responsibility for the environment – with premium products for our customers and a sustainable fleet.“