Lufthansa’s Discover Airlines to Add A350s, Expand Fleet to 40 by 2028

Lufthansa Group’s leisure carrier, Discover Airlines, is set for a major fleet expansion as it aims to grow to 40 aircraft by mid-2028, marking a significant step in its long-term development strategy. The airline confirmed on October 16, 2026, that its future plans include the introduction of the Airbus A350-900, a new aircraft type for the carrier, alongside additional A330 and A320 models to strengthen both long- and short-haul operations.

As part of the expansion, Discover Airlines will take delivery of four Airbus A350-900s, which will enable it to serve longer-range destinations beyond the reach of its current A330 fleet. While the airline did not specify the exact source of the new A350s, it is widely expected that the aircraft will be drawn from the Lufthansa Group’s existing order book with Airbus. The A350’s addition will position Discover Airlines to compete more effectively in the premium leisure travel segment, offering greater range, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort.

The carrier’s narrowbody operations will also expand, with four new Airbus A320s joining the fleet — two arriving in 2026 and two more by 2028 — bringing the total number of A320s operated by Discover to 20. These aircraft will serve popular European and Mediterranean leisure routes, further aligning with Lufthansa Group’s strategy to consolidate its presence in the high-demand short-haul vacation market.

Meanwhile, Discover Airlines plans to modernize and upsize its widebody fleet. The airline will retire its three Airbus A330-200s and replace them with five larger A330-300s, increasing the type’s total count to 16 by 2028. The shift to the A330-300 provides additional seating capacity and improved operational efficiency, supporting the airline’s growing network of medium- and long-haul leisure destinations.

These fleet changes build upon earlier announcements made in August 2024, when Discover Airlines unveiled its intention to introduce a new business class product and expand its network footprint. The addition of A350s and newer-generation A330-300s reflects a broader effort by the Lufthansa Group to strengthen its leisure division and optimize fleet commonality across subsidiaries.

All new and existing aircraft in Discover Airlines’ fleet will feature the carrier’s latest-generation cabin designs across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. The refreshed interiors will include upgraded in-flight entertainment, more ergonomic seating, and an elevated dining experience tailored to leisure travelers seeking premium comfort.

By 2028, the carrier’s fleet will comprise 20 Airbus A320s, 16 A330-300s, and four A350-900s, positioning Discover Airlines as one of Europe’s leading leisure-focused airlines with long-haul capabilities comparable to its parent brand.

Discover Airlines’ growth strategy reflects Lufthansa Group’s continued investment in expanding its holiday and leisure travel portfolio, a segment that has seen robust recovery and demand since the pandemic. With the introduction of fuel-efficient widebodies and enhanced passenger amenities, the airline is poised to become a key player in the evolving global leisure travel market.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aerotime.aero