Summary
- Lufthansa has taken delivery of a new Airbus A350-900 with the Allegris cabin.
- The aircraft, christened as Leipzig, was the third A350-900 to have the cabin. However, the other two were immediately sent to storage upon delivery in November 2023 and January 2024.
- Supply chain-related delays pushed the launch of the Allegris cabin to 2024.
Lufthansa has finally taken delivery of an Airbus A350-900 aircraft that is equipped with the new Allegris cabin, enabling the German airline to launch its first long-haul flights with the latest interior configuration. Airbus delivered the aircraft on April 13, 2024.
Joining two other Allegris-equipped A350s
The aircraft, registered as D-AIXT, was ferried from Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS) to Munich Airport (MUC) on April 13. The former airport is the site of the final assembly line (FAL) of the A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft.
According to Lufthansa’s Instagram page, the Airbus A350-900 flew to MUC, which was powered by 17% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Upon landing, the aircraft was welcomed by Jens Ritter, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the airline Lufthansa.
The airline has taken delivery of two other Airbus A350-900s that were supposed to be equipped with the Allegris cabin, D-AIXR and D-AIXS. Both aircraft were immediately ferried from TLS to Teruel Airport (TEV), Spain, where many aircraft were sent to storage during the pandemic, when Lufthansa took delivery of the pair in November 2023 and January 2024, respectively.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
According to planespotters.net data, the three Airbus A350-900 aircraft are configured with four first class, 38 business class, 24 premium economy, and 201 economy seats. Meanwhile, the airline’s other A350-900s have 48 business, 21 premium economy, and 224 economy class seats, while four aircraft of the type (D-AIVA, D-AIVB, D-AIVC, and D-AIVD), are configured with 30 business, 26 premium economy, and 262 economy class seats.
Related
Why Lufthansa Has Flown Two Brand New Airbus A350s Straight To Storage
According to reports, Lufthansa’s cabin suppliers are struggling to deliver seats and interiors on time, resulting in the A350s being sent to storage.
Flying to Vancouver, Canada
In March, Lufthansa announced that the first destination for the new Allegris cabin would be Vancouver International Airport (YVR), with the carrier launching flights with the upgraded interiors in May 2024. At the time, the airline said,
“Lufthansa Allegris redefines what it means to fly, offering unparalleled comfort, service, and much more! Prepare to be elevated from the moment you step on board, starting in May 2024, from MUC ✈️ YVR.”
According to data from the aviation analytics company Cirium, the German carrier operates seven weekly flights between MUC and YVR, with the septenary weekly itineraries being operated by the Airbus A350-900 between April and December 2024. However, the latest data uploaded by the airline does not show any first class-equipped A350-900s on the route, a staple feature of the Allegris cabin.
Related
Lufthansa Unveils Vancouver As First Destination For New Allegris Business Class
Vancouver will see the Allegris cabin in May, followed by Toronto.
New premium product
Lufthansa’s fact sheet about the new Allegris product indicated that on the Airbus A350-900, the airline would have three first class suites (up to four seats), 38 business class (eight suites), 24 premium economy, and 201 economy class seats (with 22 extra legroom seats), welcoming up to 267 passengers in total.
While the Allegris cabin was initially supposed to be introduced in 2023, the German airline was forced to move the entry-into-service date to 2024, with supply chain issues, including aircraft delivery delays, derailing its plans. Lufthansa has planned that over 80 new long-haul aircraft will be delivered with the new product, with some widebody jets, such as the Boeing 747-8, being upgraded with Allegris in due time.
Related
Lufthansa Pushes New Cabin Launch To 2024 Due To Delivery Delays
The cabin had been due to launch in late 2023.
