"Hamm" now carries its complete anniversary livery. Twelve designs under the motto "Made by many. Remembered by all" tell personal stories of employees and honour the people who have shaped Lufthansa over the decades.

The two most recently applied designs are representative of the diversity of these moments and stories:

Connected with loved ones: Two arms embrace a tail fin. This design, suggested by a Lufthansa flight attendant, commemorates a special flight on 19 March 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. With his crew, he flew from Frankfurt to Bogotá to bring stranded travellers home. Many of the passengers had waited at the airport for seven days. His message: Lufthansa brings people to their loved ones, whatever the circumstances.

Setting off into a united Germany: From June 1990, a Lufthansa employee helped set up the first Lufthansa sales offices in Dresden and celebrated reunification in Berlin on 3 October. Her design shows people walking hand in hand into a new future in front of the Brandenburg Gate. For her, the tickets sold symbolised a piece of freedom.

In total, twelve personal moments and stories adorn the Airbus A321neo "Hamm". After an internal call for submissions, a jury shortlisted 20 stories from numerous suggestions by Lufthansa employees. All employees were then able to vote on the final selection.

The twelve winning designs are placed in passe-partout frames around the now well-known XXL crane on the aircraft. Alongside the employees' stories, there are also some historical photos and events, such as a photo of Lufthansa's first two female pilots, Nicola Lisy and Evi Hetzmannseder.

Next to each passe-partout on the aircraft is a QR code that leads to a website with background information on the respective designs. The A321neo, registration D-AIEM, will fly the stories across Europe until the end of 2028.

Two Airbus A320neo, one Airbus A350-900, one Airbus A380, one Boeing 747-8 and one Boeing 787-9 are currently flying around the world in the iconic 100-year design with a special XXL crane livery. In November, Lufthansa's first A350-1000 will join as the seventh member of the special anniversary fleet.

On the occasion of the inaugural flight, SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger said:

“With Bengaluru, we are launching more than just a new flight route. We are creating new opportunities for our guests, for Swiss companies, and for Switzerland as a business location. India is a market with enormous potential, and Bengaluru is one of Asia's leading technology and innovation hubs. Alongside Delhi and Mumbai, Bengaluru is our third destination in India. We are making a targeted investment in the growth of our long-haul network while also strengthening Switzerland's international connectivity. In an increasingly interconnected world, personal encounters and direct exchanges are more important than ever.”

For more background on the addition of Bengaluru to our route network, please see the media release we published in May.

To mark the launch of our new route, we invite you to discover Bengaluru with SWISS Magazine and explore two sides of this vibrant Indian metropolis: Indian actress Nidhhi Agerwal takes us on a journey through her hometown, showcasing Bengaluru in all its colors. 

Only in Bengaluru for a short business trip? We share five places where you can discover a different side of the city between meetings. Here are our tips for 48 hours in Bengaluru.

About Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000+ employees from 164 nations worldwide, Lufthansa Group carried more than 135 million passengers and generated revenue of €39.6bn in 2025. Our largest business segment is Passenger Airlines while other key business segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Other companies and Group functions such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training form complementary components of the Group. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets.

Gabriella Galantis brings extensive leadership experience gained over more than three decades with the Lufthansa Group. She began her career in Milan in 1994 as a Lufthansa Management Trainee before taking on a range of commercial roles at Lufthansa Cargo.

In 2009, she moved to Paris as Director France, followed four years later by an appointment in Chicago as Senior Director USA Midwest and Canada. In this role, she was responsible for sales and handling operations and played a key role in the modernization and expansion of the Pharma Center at one of Lufthansa Cargo’s largest global hubs—an investment that became particularly important during the pandemic.

Most recently, Ms. Galantis has held senior commercial leadership positions with responsibility for Lufthansa Group sales across both Italy and Southern Europe.

According to Lufthansa Group Vice President Asia Pacific, Middle East & Joint Ventures East:

“With Gabriella Galantis, we are gaining a strong leader for two of our key Asian markets. Her international experience, commercial mindset and passion for customers make her an excellent choice to lead our teams in the region and build on our strong momentum, further developing our business and partnerships across both countries"

Gabriella Galantis was born and raised in Milan and is fluent in Italian, German, French, and English. She is married and has three children.

About Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000+ employees from 164 nations worldwide, Lufthansa Group generated revenue of €37.6bn in the financial year 2024. Our largest business segment is Passenger Airlines while other key business segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Other companies and Group functions such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training form complementary components of the Group. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets.

Here in this unique, completely redesigned gate area, Lufthansa and Fraport are jointly testing ways to offer customers better service, faster and smoother boarding and an even more pleasant travel experience for departing passengers.

Today, Francesco Sciortino, Board Member Lufthansa Airlines and Hub Manager Frankfurt, and Dietmar Focke, Fraport AG’s Chief Operating Officer, officially inaugurated the “Gate of the Future.”

Francesco Sciortino:

“We’re committed to ensuring a premium passenger experience, not only in the air but also on the ground – that too is what Lufthansa stands for. At Gate A16, our passengers can see how future-proof processes ensure a more pleasant and efficient start to their journey. The ‘Gate of the Future’ is yet another milestone on our shared journey with Fraport. Frankfurt is already Europe’s best-connected hub airport – and precisely that is what we want to continue developing together.”

Dietmar Focke:

“The future of travel is emerging not in the laboratory but in actual operation. Together with Lufthansa, we’re demonstrating how a strong partnership can generate specific innovations that noticeably enhance the travel experience. What we’re testing and developing here together has a clear goal: greater comfort and convenience for passengers, optimized processes and an even stronger competitive position for Frankfurt as an aviation hub.”

New services and features at Gate A16

The first things one notices about the new “Gate of the Future” are its impressive large wall monitors and 360-degree displays. They indicate the departure time and boarding status, in addition to information on hand luggage and live updates on gate changes. The goal is to quickly and comprehensively provide passengers with all relevant information so they can make the most of their time at the gate. QR codes are available to directly access all digital self-services, including a link to the Lufthansa app.

Also new: boarding staff circulate at the gate, approaching customers to answer their questions and help them with seat reservations, upgrades, rebookings and more. There is no longer a fixed counter. Instead, each mobile assistant carries a tablet that provides access to various boarding systems via a single intuitive user interface. This gives staff fast, direct access to all the information they need and allows them, for example, to centrally issue automatic announcements at the gate.

In addition to the digital offerings and personal service, the look and feel of the gate area has been redesigned. At Gate A16, passengers can work in flexible work cubes that give them greater privacy and more peace and quiet. The furnishings, including comfortable sofas, as well as selected artworks, make the area feel more like a lounge than a conventional waiting area. The gate’s ambiance thus also contributes to a comfortable stay.

A blueprint for future developments at FRA

Lufthansa and Fraport are using Gate A16 to test new services and identify the ones that especially delight customers. This information is important for deciding which elements of the new concept can also be applied at other gates and elsewhere.

Following a summer with the best punctuality scores since 2016 – an achievement to which both partners contributed – Frankfurt Airport is set to continue growing as the European hub with the best connections and greatest connectivity. Innovations such as the “Gate of the Future” are playing a key role in this.

Lufthansa Allegris represents a significant investment in the passenger experience, with a redesigned cabin concept across all travel classes. The product combines contemporary design, enhanced comfort and a greater choice of seating options, reflecting Lufthansa’s ambition to offer customers a more personalised long-haul journey.

Singapore is an important market in Lufthansa’s global network, serving as a major centre for international business, trade and tourism. The enhanced onboard offering strengthens the airline’s proposition for customers travelling between Singapore and Europe, as well as those connecting onwards through Munich to destinations across Lufthansa’s global network.

In the first weeks of December 2026, the Munich–Singapore route will also be added to the destination portfolio of Lufthansa’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000. The service will feature the Lufthansa Allegris cabin and will be operated alternately by the Airbus A350-1000 and Airbus A350-900, bringing Lufthansa’s latest long-haul cabin experience to customers travelling between Singapore and its Munich hub.

The introduction of Allegris on the route underscores Lufthansa’s continued focus on product innovation and customer experience, while reinforcing the strategic importance of its connections between Asia and Europe.

About Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000 employees, the Lufthansa Group generated revenue of €35.4 bn in the financial year 2023. Its largest business segment is the Passenger Airlines. Other key business segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) as well as other companies and Group functions such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets.

The new service, initially 5 days a week and operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, features 287 seats across three travel classes and fitted with Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabin.

The launch marks an important expansion of Lufthansa’s Southeast Asian network and provides customers in Malaysia with direct access to Frankfurt and onward connections across Europe and around the world.

According to Frank Naeve, Lufthansa Group Senior Vice President Global Sales:

“Today marks an important milestone for Lufthansa and our customers in Malaysia. With the launch of our nonstop service between Kuala Lumpur and Frankfurt, we are strengthening the connection between Malaysia and Europe while bringing our latest long-haul aircraft and Allegris travel experience to the market. Malaysia is an important economic centre in Southeast Asia and a growing destination for international business and investment, while its rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions make it equally appealing to leisure travellers. Our new nonstop service connects these two worlds, making travel between Malaysia and Europe more convenient and providing our customers with an enhanced long-haul travel experience.”

Connecting Malaysia with Europe and the world

The new Kuala Lumpur–Frankfurt service is designed to provide convenient connections through Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub to destinations across Europe and beyond.

Flight LH705 departs Kuala Lumpur at 11:55 p.m. and arrives in Frankfurt at 6:00 a.m. the following morning. The return flight LH704 departs Frankfurt at 9:30 p.m. and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 4:40 p.m. the following day.

The schedules are coordinated with Lufthansa’s wider Frankfurt hub network, enabling customers travelling from Malaysia to connect onward to numerous destinations across Europe, North America and other international markets.

For Lufthansa, the launch further strengthens its Southeast Asian network, which also includes Bangkok, Singapore and Phuket. Kuala Lumpur becomes the airline’s fourth destination in Southeast Asia.

A new Lufthansa experience from Kuala Lumpur

Customers travelling between Kuala Lumpur and Frankfurt will experience Lufthansa’s latest long-haul product aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The aircraft features Lufthansa’s Allegris cabin, introduced to offer greater choice and personalization across all travel classes. The aircraft is among the most modern and efficient in Lufthansa’s long-haul fleet.

The introduction of the Boeing 787-9 and Allegris on the Kuala Lumpur route forms part of Lufthansa’s broader expansion of its premium long-haul offering during the Winter 2026 Schedule with Lufthansa is introducing Allegris on a number of new destinations from its Frankfurt and Munich hubs during the Winter season.

Strengthening ties between Malaysia and Germany

The new connection supports both tourism and business travel between Malaysia and Europe and represents a direct connection to Germany via Malaysia’s premium Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Malaysia welcomed 42.2 million visitors in 2025, making it the most visited country in Southeast Asia. Germany is also Malaysia’s most important trading partner within the European Union, with more than 700 German companies operating in Malaysia.

Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia, said: “In line with the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign, we welcome Lufthansa’s new nonstop service between Kuala Lumpur and Frankfurt, which further enhances Malaysia’s connectivity with Germany and the wider European market. Strong air connectivity is fundamental to tourism growth, strengthening economic links and fostering greater cultural exchange.

“This direct connection provides greater convenience for travellers from Germany and across Europe, while supporting our efforts to attract high-value visitors and showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.”

With the launch of the new route, Lufthansa is providing a direct link between two important economic and tourism markets while giving customers in Malaysia access to Lufthansa’s global network via Frankfurt. 

About Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000+ employees from 164 nations worldwide, Lufthansa Group generated revenue of €37.6bn in the financial year 2024. Our largest business segment is Passenger Airlines while other key business segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Other companies and Group functions such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training form complementary components of the Group. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets.

How the Impact Fare works
For every Impact Fare booking, the Lufthansa Group deploys an additional amount of SAF in its flight operations within six months of departure. For flights within Europe, this volume is based on 20 percent of the estimated flight-related CO₂ emissions. The fare also supports climate protection projects. The amount of the contribution is based on the remaining 80 percent of the estimated flight-related CO₂ emissions. On intercontinental routes, the ratio is 10 to 90 percent. In addition, passengers receive additional Miles and Points. Depending on the booking class and destination, the Impact Fare also includes more flexible or fee-free rebooking options.

More than five million Green Fare passengers to date
The Green Fare was introduced in 2023 and has since successfully established itself as an offering. More than five million passengers have booked the fare to date. The Lufthansa Group pursues five approaches to lower-emission aviation: the modernization of its fleet, measures to increase fuel efficiency, the use of SAF, the expansion of intermodality and diverse offerings for private and corporate customers who wish to support additional measures in the area of sustainability. In addition, the company has been engaged in global climate and weather research for more than 30 years.

The campaign line, “Greatness is a Group effort,” emphasizes that a strong group creates shared values for customers. Lufthansa Group is the first airline group in the world to position itself as a B2C brand. Marketing activities by the individual Group airlines and companies will continue in parallel.

Under this link you will find the campaign film: Homepage | Lufthansa Group

Groups achieve more together. By combining their strengths, they can achieve more than any one of them could alone. For customers, the strength of an integrated airline group is felt throughout the journey. By bringing its airlines and hubs together in one global network, Lufthansa Group offers greater choice, more connections and greater flexibility. Customers benefit from an extensive lounge network, shared loyalty benefits and digital services that make travel easier and more personal. Together, these advantages create a more seamless travel experience across the Group, while allowing each airline to retain its distinctive character.

“The future of travel will be shaped by strong partnerships, seamless experiences and trusted brands. The Lufthansa Group stands for all three. By bringing together leading airlines under one strong umbrella, we create a unique travel ecosystem of global reach, premium experiences and digital innovation. ‘Greatness is a Group effort’ is more than a campaign claim - it is a strategic investment in our future”, says Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.

The new B2C campaign will be rolled out gradually across the touchpoints of each airline’s customer journey – and will be visible on digital channels, social media, in lounges, at airports, and on board.

This is the most comprehensive program expansion of the Group since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The airlines Lufthansa, Discover Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss and ITA Airways are expanding their offering for Summer 2027 now.

The focus is on the Americas (Canada, the USA, and South America), with new nonstop connections to Edmonton (Canada), Columbus and Phoenix in the USA, and Caracas in Venezuela. Asia is also in focus, with two new destinations in Japan from Frankfurt: Nagoya and Tokyo-Narita.

"The world moves a little closer for Lufthansa Group customers in the Summer 2027 flight schedule: a total of ten new destinations and even more new connections represent not only the largest route expansion across our six Lufthansa Group hubs in a long time, but above all a promise to our guests: even more choice, even better connectivity, and even shorter journeys to what drives people — meeting business partners, family and friends, and exploring the world together with them," says Stefan Kreuzpaintner, Senior Vice President Commercial Customer Offer.

New Lufthansa services from Frankfurt

From 5 May 2027, Lufthansa will connect Frankfurt with Columbus, the state capital of Ohio, USA, three times per week – on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays – on a nonstop basis. Lufthansa is the first and therefore the only European airline with a nonstop connection to this economically strong region with a high proportion of business travelers. A Boeing 787-9 in the new Allegris cabin configuration will be deployed on this route.

Bookable since 6 October: From 28 March 2027, Lufthansa will operate a daily flight from Frankfurt to Tokyo-Narita (Japan). This complements the airline's existing daily services from Frankfurt and Munich to Tokyo-Haneda, with a second Tokyo airport served daily. Lufthansa will operate the Tokyo-Narita service with the Boeing 787-9 in Allegris configuration.

Lufthansa will also seasonally resume the direct Frankfurt–Nagoya (Japan) connection: from 29 March 2027, flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from Frankfurt. In addition, the airline is increasing frequencies to, among other destinations, Cape Town (South Africa), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Hyderabad, Chennai (both India) and Montreal (Canada). The Frankfurt–Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) route, which is being added to the schedule in October 2026, will continue through Summer 2027 and be expanded to a daily departure.

As a new European destination from Frankfurt, Dubrovnik (Croatia) will be served by Lufthansa again – daily with an aircraft from the A320 family.

New Lufthansa services from Munich

From 3 August 2027, Lufthansa will launch the new Munich–Phoenix route. The state capital of Arizona is one of the fastest-growing regions in the USA and has not yet had a direct connection to any Lufthansa Group hub. Three times per week – on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays – an Airbus A350-900 will depart from Munich to Phoenix.

From 28 March 2027, Lufthansa will add a second service to its Munich–Delhi offering – seasonally, also with an Airbus A350-900. Additional frequencies will be added to, among other destinations, Bangalore (India), Chicago (USA), São Paulo (Brazil) and Singapore.

New at SWISS:

SWISS is expanding its offerings in the summer of 2027 where demand from its passengers is particularly high. On long-haul routes, the newly introduced connection to Bengaluru in southern India with five weekly flights will remain part of the summer schedule. SWISS is also expanding its service to Tokyo-Narita (Japan): at the beginning of the summer season until the end of May, and in October, the airline will fly to Tokyo daily. From June to September, it will increase the frequency from five to six flights per week compared to last summer.

With Toulouse (France), the airline is adding a new destination to its route network, connecting Zurich with the southern French city twice a week from June 25 to August 23. At the same time, SWISS is increasing frequencies to popular holiday and business destinations in Europe, including Budapest (Hungary), Hamburg, Paris, Nice (both France), Bremen, and Niš (Serbia).

New at Austrian Airlines:

Mauritius and Malé (Maldives) will continue to be served until 22 April 2027 and 25 April 2027, respectively — almost a full month beyond the winter schedule. Asia remains particularly popular among passengers — Tokyo-Narita (Japan) and Shanghai (China) are back on the schedule from the very start of the Summer 2027 timetable. From May through October, Tokyo will be served daily, reflecting the sustained enthusiasm for Japan, while Shanghai will be operated five times per week. Bangkok (Thailand) will be served daily throughout the entire summer schedule.

Across the Atlantic, Austrian's Summer 2027 schedule will once again feature services to New York (JFK and EWR), Washington, Boston and Chicago, as well as Montreal — and from late April, Los Angeles returns to the network as well. All routes will operate between five and seven times per week, using a Boeing 777.

New from June to September 2027: the Vienna–Beirut (Lebanon) route will be launched.

Due to high demand, in 2027, Austrian will offer by far the largest Greece portfolio within the entire Lufthansa Group, catering to its ever-growing fan base — from Rhodes and Crete to Mykonos and Kalamata, there is something for everyone. Spain will also feature prominently in the summer schedule, with the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and mainland Spain all represented. The program is further complemented by an expanded schedule in Italy and France.

New at ITA Airways:

Looking ahead to the 2027 summer season, ITA Airways will further expand its network with the launch of a new direct service between Rome Fiumicino and Caracas, broadening its international offering and strengthening connectivity between Italy and Venezuela. The new route will commence operations on March 30, 2027, with three weekly frequencies on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, operated by A339 aircraft.

The company will also expand its domestic network. Starting on 28 March 2027, the new Rome Fiumicino–Verona route will enhance connectivity between key Italian regions, supporting seamless connections for both business and leisure travelers.

New at Brussels Airlines:

Brussels Airlines launches Cairo as a new destination in summer 2027. The Belgian airline will connect Brussels with the capital of Egypt five times weekly. After the successful launch of Kilimanjaro in summer 2026, Brussels Airlines will increase its flights to this Tanzanian airport to three times weekly.

On the European network, Brussels Airlines adds Evenes in Norway to the summer schedule, after a successful launch of sales for the 2026/27 winter timetable. Other European destinations with increased frequencies are Porto (Portugal), Heraklion and Zakynthos (Greece), and Funchal (Madeira).

New at Edelweiss:

Edelweiss is continuing to expand its flight offerings on several long-haul routes. Seasonal flights to Windhoek will begin as early as March 16 and will increase to three weekly flights starting in July.

The Kilimanjaro/Zanzibar route will now be served four times a week. In addition, Edelweiss is increasing the frequency of flights to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) to up to four per week, and those to Malé (Maldives) and Tampa Bay (USA) to up to five flights per week each.

New at Discover Airlines:

Discover Airlines is expanding its Canadian network with the launch of its first-ever nonstop service from Frankfurt to Edmonton in summer 2027. Alongside Calgary and Halifax, Alberta’s capital will become the airline’s third destination in Canada. Beginning June 1, 2027, Discover Airlines will operate three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, making it the only airline to offer nonstop service between Germany and Edmonton.

The leisure airline is also strengthening its long-haul network in Munich by basing a third Airbus A330-300 there. With the addition of two flights to Windhoek, service to the Namibian capital will increase to five weekly departures from Munich in next summer’s schedule.

Eurowings will publish its summer flight schedule at a later date.

After a flight time of eight hours and five minutes, the aircraft, registered D-AIHW, landed on schedule at Frankfurt Airport with 267 passengers and 15 crew members on board. Numerous spotters and influencers were waiting to greet it, and passengers on board gave a long round of applause. Many of the guests had bought tickets specifically to take part in this special flight. All passengers received a specially produced farewell booklet as a gift.

The captain of the final flight was Francesco Sciortino, Lufthansa Airlines Board Member and Hub Manager Frankfurt, who has himself flown the A340-600 for many years.

“We will never forget this last flight with the A340-600,” said Francesco Sciortino. “I am grateful that this aircraft has safely carried more than 40 million guests across the globe in 23 years. At the same time, we are looking forward to the largest fleet modernization in the company’s history. The A340-600 is leaving, and in its place come aircraft of the latest design: quieter, more efficient and more comfortable. We expect the Airbus A350-1000 and further Boeing 787s very soon, and the Boeing 777-9 next year. We are investing in our premium offering for our guests. We are renewing not only the aircraft but also the products and services on the ground and in the air, for an even more premium experience at Lufthansa.”

Farewell after 23 years

On 25 November 2003, Lufthansa took delivery of its first A340-600, D-AIHB, which was christened “Bremerhaven” in 2004. At 75.30 meters, the A340-600 was the longest passenger aircraft in the world at the time. Its first destinations in the Lufthansa network were Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.

Over the following two decades, the A340-600 made history at Lufthansa. Among other things, it was used for climate research as part of the CARIBIC project and took the German national football team to its successful World Cup campaign in Brazil. In March 2022, it was the first aircraft to return to Washington, D.C., after the pandemic-related grounding.

In total, Lufthansa operated 24 aircraft of this type during this period.

The largest fleet renewal in the company’s history

The retirement of the A340-600 is part of the largest fleet modernization in Lufthansa’s history.

In addition to the A340-600, the Airbus A340-300, the Airbus A330-200 and the Boeing 747-400 will also be retired by 2027. They will be replaced by state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-9 aircraft. According to the manufacturers, these aircraft are quieter, consume 30 percent less kerosene and produce correspondingly lower emissions. Eighteen Boeing 787-9 aircraft are already in service, and a further 11 aircraft of this type will be delivered by 2027.

By 2028, 70 percent of Lufthansa's long-haul fleet is expected to consist of next-generation aircraft, an important lever for greater efficiency and comfort. Fewer aircraft types also mean less complexity in maintenance, planning and training, and therefore a more economically sound basis for the future.

Heiko Reitz, member of the Lufthansa Airlines Board and Hub Manager Munich, says: “We are proud that the Airbus A350-1000—Airbus’s most modern long-haul aircraft—is coming to Munich. The introduction of the new A350-1000 is part of the largest fleet modernization in the history of the Lufthansa Group and a key driver on the path to more sustainability. Our new flagship features 40 percent more Business and Premium Economy seats. To put it simply: The A350-1000 strengthens our premium hub in Munich.”

The delivery of the “Deutschland” in mid-November marks several milestones at once: The first Airbus A350-1000, with the registration D-AIFA, is the 700th aircraft that Airbus delivers to the Lufthansa Group and the seventh aircraft in the Lufthansa anniversary fleet, that features a special livery on the occasion of the company’s 100th anniversary.

In total, the Lufthansa Group has ordered 15 aircraft of this type, which will be delivered by 2030. The first ten A350-1000s will fly for Lufthansa and be based at the Munich hub.

With a length of 73.80 meters, the Airbus A350-1000 is seven meters longer than the Airbus A350-900 and seats 300 passengers in four travel classes: 3–4 seats (two single suites and one “Suite Plus”) in First Class, 49 seats (including 8 seats in suites) in Business Class, 35 seats in Premium Economy Class, and 212 seats in Economy Class.

The Airbus A350-1000 combines state-of-the-art aerodynamics with two highly efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and the use of lightweight materials. The aircraft consists of advanced materials, including over 50% composites, titanium, and modern aluminum alloys. Together, these technologies contribute to a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. The aircraft also meets the strictest noise standards and is certified well below the latest ICAO Chapter 14 noise standards.

“TAP Air Portugal is a strong and profitable airline, our long-standing partner in Star Alliance and internationally successful as a leading carrier on South Atlantic routes. It is known for its outstanding employees and has a compelling business model. With today’s decision, the Portuguese government has paved the way for TAP Air Portugal to continue this success story together with Lufthansa Group. At the same time, this allows us to consistently pursue our internationalization strategy and sustainably strengthen our position in the South Atlantic market. Our company has enjoyed a close and trusted partnership with Portugal for many years. For decades, we have invested in the country, created and secured highly skilled jobs, and connected Portugal with Europe and the world. We look forward to a shared future with TAP Air Portugal and to continuing our constructive cooperation with the government in Lisbon!”

Lufthansa Group welcomes today’s announcement by the Portuguese government to initiate the process for the full privatization of TAP Air Portugal. Previous acquisitions have shown that a majority stake creates additional benefits for all parties involved.

Lufthansa Group has offered a purchase price of EUR 1.025 billion for the 44.9 percent stake. This amount could increase to up to EUR 1.2 billion for the acquisition of a 49.9 percent stake, due to up to 5 percent of shares initially offered to employees as well as a ticking fee.

Lufthansa Group has been active in Portugal for more than 70 years. The Group’s airlines currently offer 353 weekly flights to six destinations in Portugal, representing a 75 percent increase in capacity compared with 2019. More than 500 skilled professionals currently work for Lufthansa Group companies in Portugal. With the construction of the new Lufthansa Technik site in Santa Maria da Feira near Porto, where ground was broken in June, this number is expected to increase to more than 1,000 direct jobs by 2030.

Lufthansa Group is now working together with the Portuguese government and Parpública to finalize the transaction documents and expects to complete and sign the agreements for the acquisition of the stake shortly. Completion of the acquisition remains subject to approval by the relevant authorities.

This award was presented in Singapore and recognises leading companies across Asia’s travel and tourism industry. Winners were selected through votes from travel trade professionals across the region.

According to Gilles Burgat, General Manager, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei:

"Being named Best Airline (Europe) by Travel Weekly Asia is a tremendous honour and a testament to the trust our customers and travel partners place in Lufthansa. As we celebrate 100 years of Lufthansa, we are simultaneously looking ahead with the recent introduction of our Future Onboard Experience (FOX) and the new Allegris cabin, which will commence service to Singapore from October. Together, these investments represent our commitment to setting new standards in premium travel and delivering an even more personalized experience for our customers."

Lufthansa continues to strengthen its presence across Asia while investing substantially in its long-haul customer experience. Central to this is the ongoing introduction of Lufthansa Allegris, the airline’s new generation of travel products across First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class. The first Lufthansa Allegris flights to Southeast Asia arrive in both Singapore and the newly launched destination of Kuala Lumpur on October 26^th, 2026.

Lufthansa is also further developing its connectivity between Asia and its European hubs, providing customers with access to Lufthansa Group’s extensive network across Europe and beyond.

The Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards recognise outstanding organisations across the airline, hospitality, cruise, destination and travel services sectors. The 2026 awards included 46 categories and were determined by readers and travel industry professionals across Asia.

About Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is a global aviation group with operations worldwide. With more than 100,000 employees from 164 nations, the Group carried more than 135 million passengers and generated revenue of €39.6 billion in 2025. The Group’s largest business segment is Passenger Airlines, complemented by other key businesses including Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Additional companies and Group functions, including IT and Lufthansa Aviation Training, form complementary components of the Group. All Lufthansa Group airlines and business segments hold leading positions in their respective markets.

Lufthansa Resumes Frankfurt–Nagoya Service

For the 2027 summer flight schedule, Lufthansa is resuming its Frankfurt–Nagoya route on a seasonal basis. The route is scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Starting March 29, 2027, outbound flight LH736 will depart Frankfurt at 2:10 p.m. and arrive in Nagoya the following day at 9:35 a.m. local time. The return flight, LH737, will depart Nagoya at 11:30 a.m. and arrives in the Rhine-Main metropolitan area at 6:30 p.m. local time.

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most important industrial and economic centers. Aichi Prefecture is the main center for the country’s automotive industry and other manufacturing companies. Rich in samurai history, Nagoya also offers direct access to key destinations in the region, such as the ancient imperial city of Kyoto. Via Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub, travelers from Nagoya can connect to numerous destinations in Europe and South America.

Daily service from Frankfurt to Tokyo-Narita

Starting March 28, 2027, Lufthansa will launch a daily flight LH710 from Frankfurt to Tokyo-Narita. The outbound flight departs Frankfurt at 1:45 p.m. and lands in Narita the following day at 9:30 a.m. local time. The return flight, LH711, departs Tokyo-Narita at 11:20 a.m. and lands in Frankfurt at 6:40 p.m. With this daily service to Narita, Lufthansa is expanding its offerings for business and leisure travelers in the Tokyo metropolitan area on a seasonal basis for Summer 2027. The airline also continues to fly daily from both Munich and Frankfurt to Tokyo-Haneda, the region’s second international airport.

Lufthansa will operate both routes with its Boeing 787-9 in the latest Allegris configuration - Lufthansa’s new premium cabin product - featuring 28 seats in Business Class, 28 seats in Premium Economy Class, and 231 seats in Economy Class.

“Japan is a key market for the Lufthansa Group, and we are pleased to further strengthen our presence with additional capacity and the resumption of flights to Nagoya. Together with our expanded Tokyo services, these investments provide our customers with more travel options and support the continued diversification of our intercontinental network. As the leading European airline group in Japan, we remain committed to connecting people, cultures and economies between Europe and Japan”, says Dieter Vranckx, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group.

More Connections with Lufthansa Group Airlines

SWISS is also expanding its service to Japan in the summer of 2027, with up to seven weekly flights from Zurich to Tokyo-Narita.

In total, the Lufthansa Group’s hub airlines - Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and ITA Airways - will offer up to x50 weekly flights to four destinations in Japan in the summer of 2027: Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, and Nagoya.

The Lufthansa Group airlines are further strengthening their market leading position amongst European airline groups in the Japanese market, as measured by number of weekly flights.

In addition, numerous additional booking options are available through the Lufthansa Group’s Joint Venture partner, ANA, providing more options and choice for passengers to Japan and beyond.

Flights are available for booking now.

Lufthansa Resumes Frankfurt–Nagoya Service

For the 2027 summer flight schedule, Lufthansa is resuming its Frankfurt–Nagoya route on a seasonal basis. The route is scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Starting March 29, 2027, outbound flight LH736 will depart Frankfurt at 2:10 p.m. and arrive in Nagoya the following day at 9:35 a.m. local time. The return flight, LH737, will depart Nagoya at 11:30 a.m. and arrives in the Rhine-Main metropolitan area at 6:30 p.m. local time.

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most important industrial and economic centers. Aichi Prefecture is the main center for the country’s automotive industry and other manufacturing companies. Rich in samurai history, Nagoya also offers direct access to key destinations in the region, such as the ancient imperial city of Kyoto. Via Lufthansa’s Frankfurt hub, travelers from Nagoya can connect to numerous destinations in Europe and South America.

Daily service from Frankfurt to Tokyo-Narita

Starting March 28, 2027, Lufthansa will launch a daily flight LH710 from Frankfurt to Tokyo-Narita. The outbound flight departs Frankfurt at 1:45 p.m. and lands in Narita the following day at 9:30 a.m. local time. The return flight, LH711, departs Tokyo-Narita at 11:20 a.m. and lands in Frankfurt at 6:40 p.m. With this daily service to Narita, Lufthansa is expanding its offerings for business and leisure travelers in the Tokyo metropolitan area on a seasonal basis for Summer 2027. The airline also continues to fly daily from both Munich and Frankfurt to Tokyo-Haneda, the region’s second international airport.

Lufthansa will operate both routes with its Boeing 787-9 in the latest Allegris configuration - Lufthansa’s new premium cabin product - featuring 28 seats in Business Class, 28 seats in Premium Economy Class, and 231 seats in Economy Class.

“Japan is a key market for the Lufthansa Group, and we are pleased to further strengthen our presence with additional capacity and the resumption of flights to Nagoya. Together with our expanded Tokyo services, these investments provide our customers with more travel options and support the continued diversification of our intercontinental network. As the leading European airline group in Japan, we remain committed to connecting people, cultures and economies between Europe and Japan”, says Dieter Vranckx, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group.

More Connections with Lufthansa Group Airlines

SWISS is also expanding its service to Japan in the summer of 2027, with up to seven weekly flights from Zurich to Tokyo-Narita.

In total, the Lufthansa Group’s hub airlines - Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and ITA Airways - will offer up to x50 weekly flights to four destinations in Japan in the summer of 2027: Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, and Nagoya.

The Lufthansa Group airlines are further strengthening their market leading position amongst European airline groups in the Japanese market, as measured by number of weekly flights.

In addition, numerous additional booking options are available through the Lufthansa Group’s Joint Venture partner, ANA, providing more options and choice for passengers to Japan and beyond.

Flights are available for booking now.

Eurowings is expanding its route network from Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, Hanover and Stuttgart in Winter 2026. New destinations and additional winter connections will link these airports with Northern and Southern Europe, the Canary Islands, Egypt and the Middle East.

Wide range of Middle East connections

Eurowings will offer an extensive Middle East network in winter 2026/27. Baghdad is brand new to the schedule, with two weekly direct flights planned from both Berlin and Düsseldorf from 10 December 2026. The new connections complement the existing services to Iraq and strengthen the range of routes in the region.

Dubai will be served daily from Berlin, four times a week from Stuttgart and three times a week from Cologne/Bonn – a total of 14 weekly flights. Eurowings will fly to Jeddah twice a week from both Berlin and Stuttgart and three times a week from Cologne/Bonn. Direct services to Erbil will be available from Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Hamburg, Hanover and Stuttgart. Tel Aviv will be served three times a week from Dusseldorf. Beirut will be connected with Stockholm, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hanover, Prague and Salzburg. Eurowings will also operate two weekly flights between Stuttgart and Amman, Jordan.

More comfort with the Premium BIZ Seat

From 1 December 2026, the Premium BIZ Seat will be available on all Eurowings flights to Dubai and selected connections to London Heathrow, Mallorca and Málaga. The new seating concept offers eight seats across the first two rows of the Airbus A320neo in a spacious 2x2 layout. Wider seats, more legroom, greater recline and adjustable leg rests create more personal space.

About Eurowings

Eurowings is the value airline of the Lufthansa Group and thus part of Europe's largest airline group. With its clear positioning as Europe's value carrier for leisure and business travellers, Eurowings clearly distinguishes itself from the ultra-low-cost carrier segment, allowing its customers to fly affordably and flexibly with numerous booking options and extras as well as customer-friendly services. With its value concept, the German airline is responding to the core needs of today's air travellers: even greater flexibility, comfort and ease. Eurowings offers direct flights to around 150 destinations within Europe. With 11 international bases – including Mallorca as Europe's number one vacation island – the Lufthansa subsidiary is one of the largest leisure airlines in Europe. It currently has a fleet of around 100 aircraft and employs 5,500 people.

The latest accolade continues a decade-long track record of being the world’s best for Star Alliance lounges across the global travel industry, reflecting the Alliance’s continued focus on elevating customer journeys and its commitment to making multi-airline travel more effortless.

The award was presented at a ceremony at The Langham Hotel in London, bringing together airline leaders and senior representatives from across the global aviation industry.

Celebrating the recognition, Star Alliance Vice President - Customer Experience Ambar Franco said: “We are incredibly proud to see our Paris Charles de Gaulle Lounge recognised as the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge for a third consecutive year, and our Los Angeles lounge securing second place. This recognition reflects the continued commitment of our member airlines, teams, and partners to creating experiences that help journeys flow more effortlessly. We want every touchpoint to feel intuitive, welcoming and connected, helping bring greater harmony to the multi-airline experience.”

Located in Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the 1,300-square-metre Star Alliance lounge opened in October 2023. The lounge combines contemporary design with distinctive French touches, offering travellers a range of spaces to relax, work and dine before their flight. Among its signature features are a dedicated welcome bar, an immersive wine section inspired by France’s rich wine culture and views across the airport’s runway.

The Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport also ranked second in the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge category, further recognising the strength of Star Alliance’s lounge experience across its network.

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said: “We are pleased to congratulate Star Alliance for winning the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge award for their lounge at Terminal 1, Paris CDG Airport, and also for securing the second place for the Star Alliance Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport. These awards underline Star Alliance’s continued efforts to deliver a well - coordinated airport experience that appeals to today’s international customers.”

Accepting the award on behalf of Star Alliance, Virginie Auriol, Star Alliance France - Managing Director, said: “It is a great honour to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has helped make our Paris lounge exceptional. Since opening in 2023, the lounge has become an important part of the Star Alliance experience at Paris Charles de Gaulle, and seeing it recognised by travellers for a third consecutive year is incredibly rewarding.”

Known as the “Oscars of the aviation industry,” the Skytrax World Airline Awards are based on an independent international passenger survey and recognise excellence across the global aviation industry. The awards are determined by the votes of travellers from around the world and are widely regarded as a benchmark for airline and airport customer experience.

At present, 21 Star Alliance member airlines serve Paris: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, avianca, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines. Together, they operate more than 800 weekly flights to over 30 destinations across more than 20 countries.

About Star Alliance

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, Star Alliance was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Today, guided by a vision for a world effortlessly connected, Star Alliance enriches customer journeys and reinforces loyalty by creating tailored solutions that empower member airlines beyond their individual capabilities.

The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, United.

Star Alliance unites 26 of the world’s leading airlines, providing travellers with seamless access to over 1,150 airports across 190 countries - covering 90% of the world. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.

Star Alliance Press Office: +65 8729 6691; mediarelations@staralliance.com

Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines, says:

“We are proud and grateful that travelers from more than 100 countries have ranked our First Class catering number one worldwide. This award is about more than recognizing our outstanding cuisine. It shows that our guests are noticing the changes at Lufthansa – and appreciate them. We are modernizing our fleet, renewing our cabins and lounges, continuously developing our services and offering cuisine at a world-leading level. My thanks go to all Lufthansa employees who dedicate themselves to our guests every day – on the ground and in the air. This award motivates us to continue living up to our guests’ expectations of a premium airline.”

Fine Dining above the clouds

The culinary offering in Lufthansa First Class was developed together with two-Michelin-starred chef Christoph Kunz and gategourmet. Skytrax also recognizes the outstanding work of Lufthansa’s First Class cabin crews. Their expertise and precision in preparing and serving the meals on board make a decisive contribution to the quality of the First Class dining experience.

Since March 2026, guests on flights departing from Germany have enjoyed a modern fine-dining concept with a wider selection and greater flexibility in composing their individual menus. Further culinary highlights in Lufthansa First Class include the signature caviar service, a varied gourmet breakfast and a premium selection of champagne. With La Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot, Lufthansa is offering a permanent prestige champagne in First Class for the first time. The culinary experience is complemented by an award-winning wine selection, newly curated each month by a team of experts including four Masters of Wine.

The new culinary offering is part of the Future Onboard Experience (FOX), through which Lufthansa is further enhancing the travel experience in all classes. Together with new aircraft, Allegris and modernized lounges, FOX is part of Lufthansa’s comprehensive premium initiative.

Skytrax

The survey was conducted by aviation research organization Skytrax and includes more than 300 airlines. Skytrax has been conducting its annual passenger survey since 1999. Detailed results of the World Airline Awards are available at www.worldairlineawards.com.

"For 20 years, our long-haul crews have swapped their uniforms for Bavarian traditional costume during Oktoberfest season: the first traditional costume crew departed on 1 September 2006 from Munich to New York. With the current, modern design, we are continuing the long-standing tradition of traditional costume flights from Munich. The details speak for themselves: this costume was created exclusively for Lufthansa's cabin crews and is truly one of a kind," says Heiko Reitz, Divisional Board Member of Lufthansa Airlines and Hub Manager Munich.

Premiere on Flights to Beijing, Bangalore and Singapore

The new traditional costume makes its airborne debut at the very start of the Wiesn on 19 September: from Munich, the traditional costume crew takes off on two international routes — to Bangalore, India (LH764) and to Beijing (LH722). One week later, on 27 September, LH768 brings the Wiesn atmosphere to Singapore.

Bavarian Delicacies On Board and in Lufthansa Lounges

The Oktoberfest spirit extends well beyond the three traditional costume flights:

From 1 to 30 September, Lufthansa is bringing Bavarian cuisine to the skies on selected intercontinental flights from Munich and Frankfurt. Across all travel classes, guests can look forward to a specially created menu. The selection ranges from traditional starters including white sausage terrine and pretzel tree, through hearty Oktoberfest classics such as Wiesn roast duck and fried chicken, to sweet highlights like apple strudel. Passengers on continental routes are also catered for: in Business Class, Lufthansa will serve an Oktoberfest menu from 17 September to 6 October.

All German Lufthansa Lounges will also be tapping the barrel right on time for the festival's opening — "O'zapft is". Alongside typical Bavarian beers, classic dishes and atmospheric décor create the perfect ambience.

The popular Lufthansa Wiesn amenity kits are also appearing in new designs for Oktoberfest 2026. Until the end of September, guests on all long-haul flights departing Germany in First, Business and Premium Economy Class will receive hygiene and travel items in modern felt pouches that double as stylish Oktoberfest accessories.

Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), has been appointed for a further three-year term through June 30, 2030. She has been a member of the Executive Board since 2024 and is responsible for Technology, IT, and Innovation. In 2030, Grazia Vittadini will reach the standard age limit for Executive Board members at Lufthansa Group.

Dr. Till Streichert, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been reappointed for an additional term of five years, through September 14, 2032. He has been a member of the Executive Board since 2024 and is responsible for the Finance division. His areas of responsibility include Controlling and Risk Management, Corporate Finance, Accounting and Financial Statements, Taxes, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Investor Relations.

Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), has also been reappointed for a further five-year term through June 30, 2032. He has been a member of the Executive Board since 2024. As Chief Commercial Officer, Dieter Vranckx is responsible for, among other areas, the Group’s Commercial Customer Offering, the Customer Journey, as well as Sales and Marketing.

Delivery of the newly ordered Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft is scheduled to begin in the early 2030s. By exercising the first 20 options, Lufthansa Group further strengthens its long-term capacity planning. The new aircraft are intended to gradually replace older Airbus A320 family aircraft across the Group.

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest member of the Boeing 737 MAX family and offers additional comfort for Lufthansa Group customers. It provides greater seating capacity than the Boeing 737 MAX 8 already on order.

Compared to the older aircraft it is intended to replace, the Boeing 737 MAX 10 consumes around 30 percent less fuel. At the same time, its higher seating capacity reduces unit costs by approximately 20 percent. The new aircraft will therefore make an important contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions and further improving efficiency on European routes.

The order, with a list value of approximately USD 3.4 billion, forms part of Lufthansa Group’s ongoing fleet modernization program. By 2035, the airline group expects to take delivery of more than 250 new aircraft, continuing its investment in an efficient and sustainable fleet. 

AeroSHARK is supported by Mastercard in the current project phase. As part of a strategic partnership between Mastercard and the Lufthansa Group, both companies are jointly driving innovations intended to contribute to more efficient and more sustainable aviation.

Working together for greater efficiency in long-haul travel
Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer Lufthansa Group, says: “AeroSHARK is an excellent example of how innovations from the Lufthansa Group can make concrete contributions to greater efficiency and lower emissions. With the planned certification for the Airbus A330ceo, we are tapping into the potential of another significant portion of the global long-haul fleets. The innovation alliance between Lufthansa Technik, Discover Airlines, and Mastercard demonstrates once again how strong partners can drive progress together.”

The AeroSHARK technology, developed by Lufthansa Technik and Surventis (formerly BASF Coatings), is based on the structure of shark skin. The special surface film, modeled after nature, reduces drag during flight, thereby lowering fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. AeroSHARK is the only so-called riblet technology on the market approved for commercial aviation—currently certified for the Boeing 777F, the B777-300ER, and the B777-200ER. Following its certification for the Boeing 777, the certification process is now focused on the Airbus A330—the world’s second-most-delivered long-haul aircraft model, which will continue to shape existing fleets for many years to come.

Plans to expand to additional aircraft models and aircraft surfaces 
Every modification to an aircraft must meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. The path to certification is correspondingly demanding: it requires technical expertise, operational resources, and robust financing. For the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for AeroSHARK on the A330-300 and -200, Lufthansa Technik is undergoing the relevant process with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. This includes extensive technical documentation, ground and flight tests, as well as final in-service validation during flight operations.

In addition to the certification currently being sought for the A330ceo, Lufthansa Technik and Surventis are also working to expand the next generation of AeroSHARK material to additional aircraft surfaces—such as wings and tail surfaces. This could double the potential savings. See the press release from July 30, 2026.

Background on AeroSHARK: inspired by sharks, developed for aviation
AeroSHARK is a functional surface film with microscopically fine grooved structures modeled after shark skin. Shark skin features fine grooves aligned in the direction of flow, known as riblets. These reduce frictional drag and improve flow characteristics in water. AeroSHARK applies this effect to aviation: The surface film features riblets only about 50 micrometers high, precisely aligned with the airflow. It is applied to an aircraft’s fuselage and engine cowlings, reducing drag during flight. The technology cuts fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions on every flight—currently by about 1 percent.

As of August 2026, the Lufthansa Group has already equipped 22 aircraft with AeroSHARK. Every day, the Lufthansa Group’s AeroSHARK fleet saves around 19 metric tonnes of kerosene and about 60 metric tonnes of CO₂. Airlines outside the Lufthansa Group are also already using the innovative film to increase the fuel efficiency of their long-haul aircraft.

Grazia Vittadini, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Lufthansa Technik AG, said:

“Harald Gloy combines deep knowledge of Lufthansa Technik with broad leadership experience across the Lufthansa Group. He has played an important role in the company’s strong performance and knows our customers, our employees and the global maintenance, repair and overhaul market exceptionally well. The Supervisory Board has full confidence in his ability to lead Lufthansa Technik into its next phase, deliver on the company’s strategy, and further strengthen its position as a global industry leader. I look forward to continuing to work with Harald and the entire Executive Board as he takes on his new role.”

After completing his studies in Berlin and the United States, Harald Gloy (54) began his career at Lufthansa Technik more than 25 years ago as a graduate engineer. Through numerous leadership roles in logistics, corporate strategy, aircraft and—later—engine overhaul, and subsequently as head of the components business, he gained a comprehensive understanding of the company. In January 2019, Harald Gloy joined the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG as Chief Operating Officer (COO), and from 2021 onward, he also served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Director of Labor Relations (“Arbeitsdirektor”). He then returned to Lufthansa Technik in 2022 as a member of the Executive Board. As Chief Operating Officer (COO) and “Accountable Manager,” he is responsible for all operational processes and IT for the company. In addition, he took over responsibility for human resources as Director of Labor Relations on the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik for three years until 2025.

“Soeren Stark has made an outstanding contribution to Lufthansa Technik and the Lufthansa Group over many years. The Supervisory Board is grateful to him for his leadership, under which Lufthansa Technik has set a clear strategic course, strengthened its customer relations and delivered significant growth. As Soeren will continue to lead the company until Harald takes office on February 1, 2027, I look forward to working closely with both of them to ensure continuity and a smooth transition,” Grazia Vittadini added.

Soeren Stark (59) has been Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik AG since 2022, having been appointed to the company’s Executive Board as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Accountable Manager in 2019. After completing his studies in Berlin and Paris and holding initial positions at consulting and industrial firms, the graduate in industrial engineering began his career with the Lufthansa Group in 2001 as plant manager of the catering company LSG Sky Chefs at Frankfurt Airport and, starting in 2004, developed Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services as its managing director. As head of aircraft overhaul at Lufthansa Technik, he drove forward the integration and unified management of the international overhaul sites, as well as the expansion of the global network. In 2016, he was appointed to the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo as COO, before returning to Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg three years later.

A decision on Harald Gloy’s successor as COO on the Executive Board will be made as soon as possible.

For many Lufthansa passengers, the Munich hub serves as their first point of contact with Bavaria. The Stopover Program offers ideas on how to utilize a layover for a visit to Munich and the region. Currently, twelve partners are involved in the program, providing hotel accommodations, rental cars, sightseeing opportunities, and shopping options. Visitors can plan their time flexibly, with stays ranging from 24 hours to seven days. The Stopover Program can be booked via the Lufthansa website (www.lufthansa.com).

"Many passengers want to do more than just transfer at our hub; they want to discover Munich and Bavaria as an additional travel destination. With the Lufthansa Stopover Program, we offer the opportunity to enrich their air travel with an extra destination, allowing them to experience local culture, cuisine, and tourist attractions. In the long term, we plan to expand the program to include further markets and tourism partners, offering international travelers an even wider range of attractive options in Munich and Bavaria," says Heiko Reitz, Lufthansa Executive Board Member and Hub Manager Munich. "Bavaria is one of Germany’s most popular travel destinations. Through the stopover program, we are working with Lufthansa to create additional opportunities to attract international travelers to Munich and the region. Local tourism providers and other businesses stand to benefit from this. The project demonstrates how Munich Airport and Lufthansa can link international demand with what the region has to offer," says Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.

About Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is a global aviation group with operations worldwide. With more than 100,000 employees from 164 nations, the Group carried more than 135 million passengers and generated revenue of €39.6 billion in 2025. The Group’s largest business segment is Passenger Airlines, complemented by other key businesses including Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Additional companies and Group functions, including IT and Lufthansa Aviation Training, form complementary components of the Group. All Lufthansa Group airlines and business segments hold leading positions in their respective markets.

Onboard Delights: More Choices on Short- and Medium-Haul Flights

With Onboard Delights, Lufthansa offers a selection of fresh meals, snacks, and beverages for purchase in Economy Class on short- and medium-haul flights. Passengers can pre-order some of these food items before departure. The program was introduced in February 2023 and has been continuously expanded since then.

Starting 1 September, 2026, five hot meals will be added to the menu. They are available exclusively via pre-order and can be placed from four weeks to 24 hours before departure.

Five hot meals to choose from

The following hot meals are available on continental routes with a flight time of two hours or more:

·       Beef roulade with potato dumplings

·       Chicken teriyaki

·       Tortellini in tomato sauce with zucchini

·       “Die Echte” currywurst from Dönninghaus

·       Cheeseburger from “HANS IM GLÜCK”

The beef roulade, chicken teriyaki, and tortellini are served with a dessert, while the currywurst is served the classic way with a roll.

Olaf Mauthe, Head of Hospitality Catering Management at Lufthansa, says:

“With these hot meals, we’re expanding Onboard Delights to offer our passengers on longer continental flights an additional selection. Pre-ordering guarantees our guests that their desired meal will be waiting for them on board - for a relaxed and predictable journey.”

New Offering in Business Class as well

Lufthansa is also offering a new service to Business Class passengers on long-haul flights. Since August 2023, they have been able to pre-select their main course on flights departing from Frankfurt and Munich. Starting 1 September, 2026, this service will be expanded to most long-haul flights returning to Germany. Passengers will benefit from a wider selection: Starting four weeks up to 24 hours before departure, they can now choose from six main courses instead of the previous three.