Lufthansa Group, the world’s largest Airbus customer, receives its 700th Airbus aircraft

The Lufthansa Group has taken delivery of its 700th Airbus aircraft, a factory-new A350-1000. The aircraft was handed over in the presence of Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group, and Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft Airbus, marking 50 years of partnership between the two companies. The new flagship, registered D-AIFA and named “Deutschland,” is the seventh aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet to feature the special livery celebrating the airline’s 100th anniversary.

The Lufthansa Group has ordered a total of 15 A350-1000 aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery by 2030. The first ten will operate for the Lufthansa core brand and will be based at its Munich hub. The entry into service of the new A350-1000 is part of the largest fleet modernization program in the history of the Lufthansa Group and is a key lever on the path toward greater sustainability. The aircraft will be transferred to Munich on November 11, 2026, where it will be prepared for its planned inaugural flight to Tokyo/Haneda on December 3, 2026.

Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group, says: “With our first A350-1000, Lufthansa is taking delivery of the world’s most modern long-haul aircraft. Our guests can look forward to the new Allegris premium cabin in all travel classes. The A350-1000 will become our new flagship at our five-star hub in Munich. It uses up to 30 percent less fuel per passenger, while at the same time offering significantly lower unit costs. The fact that, as the world’s largest Airbus customer, we are taking delivery of our 700th Airbus aircraft exactly 50 years after the first Airbus delivery to Lufthansa, and in the year of our 100th anniversary, makes this a very special moment for us. Our partnership is a prime example of what Europe can achieve when it works together. The success of Airbus as a European aircraft manufacturer and of the Lufthansa Group as Europe’s leading airline group is therefore far more than an economic success story. It is part of Europe’s sovereignty. Both companies demonstrate that our continent can continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of global aviation.”

At 73.80 meters, the Airbus A350-1000 is seven meters longer than the Airbus A350-900 and accommodates 300 passengers in four travel classes: three to four seats in First Class, comprising two individual suites and one “Suite Plus”; 49 seats in Business Class, including eight seats in suites; 35 seats in Premium Economy Class; and 212 seats in Economy Class.

From its inaugural flight on December 3, the “Deutschland” will also be the first Lufthansa Group long-haul aircraft equipped with the new Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi powered by Starlink. Guests will benefit from internet speeds above the clouds that, in many cases, are faster than the connection at home or in the office. This will enable watching video content, cloud-based work, and other high-speed applications during the flight. The service will be available free of charge to all Miles & More members and Travel ID users across all travel classes.

The Lufthansa Group and Airbus share a special partnership. Over the past 50 years, the Group has operated aircraft from every Airbus aircraft family and has served as a launch customer on numerous occasions. The two companies also work closely together on new aircraft developments and research projects.