Lufthansa Shifts A350s to Frankfurt Amid Delays

Lufthansa has begun temporarily deploying its Airbus A350-900 aircraft to Frankfurt Airport in response to ongoing aircraft delivery delays, as the airline prepares for its busy summer schedule. Four A350-900s are now stationed at Frankfurt, with two more expected to follow. The shift, which began on March 30, 2025, has already seen these widebody jets operating flights to Seoul and Shanghai, with future routes to Denver and Seattle scheduled to launch on May 1 and July 1, respectively.
Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter confirmed the move, stating it was necessary to bridge capacity gaps caused by delayed deliveries. He emphasized that the A350s will provide passengers with a modern, upgraded travel experience on long-haul routes out of Frankfurt. Ritter noted the aircraft are part of the airline’s strategy to maintain high service standards even amid supply chain setbacks.
Ritter also highlighted Lufthansa’s broader fleet renewal efforts, calling it the largest in the company’s history. Over the next three years, the airline expects to receive 61 new aircraft, averaging one new delivery every two weeks through the end of 2027. This ambitious renewal includes widebody aircraft intended to replace aging jets and enhance overall efficiency.
Lufthansa Group’s financial report for March 2025 described the previous year as being marked by contrasting halves. The first six months were particularly challenging due to strikes, delayed aircraft, and operational disruptions. These issues led to a notable dip in operating profits, according to Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa.
The airline’s pending aircraft orders are substantial. According to ch-aviation, Lufthansa is awaiting delivery of 15 Airbus A350-1000s and 14 more A350-900s. Additionally, its Boeing backlog includes 34 787-9 Dreamliners and 21 777-9 aircraft, part of Boeing’s next-generation 777X program. The 777-9 is expected to be the first variant delivered to Lufthansa, reinforcing the airline’s focus on modernizing its long-haul fleet with fuel-efficient, passenger-friendly aircraft.
The current deployment of A350-900s to Frankfurt provides an interim solution as Lufthansa awaits these new additions. With summer travel demand rising, the move allows the airline to maintain key international services without compromising comfort or reliability. Passengers departing from Frankfurt will now have access to the A350’s quieter cabins, improved fuel efficiency, and advanced onboard features on select long-haul routes.
While delivery delays continue to challenge global carriers, Lufthansa’s proactive fleet management aims to keep operations running smoothly. The strategic positioning of A350 aircraft in Frankfurt reflects the airline’s commitment to flexibility and its long-term investment in fleet modernization, ensuring it remains competitive in the global aviation market.
Related News : https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/?s=Lufthansa