Germany’s Luftwaffe takes A350, to retire A340s in 2022

Luftwaffe (GAF, Cologne/Bonn) has taken delivery of its first A350-900, 10-03 (msn 416), although its induction into service as a VIP transport is not planned before October 2020. The aircraft was delivered after outfitting by Lufthansa Technik at Hamburg Helmut Schmidt airport with an interim cabin configuration, featuring office and conference areas, as well as a multifunctional lounge area and space available for delegations. It will undergo further testing and certification prior to its entry into service. “The decision to purchase the new A350 fleet was made just 18 months ago. My thanks therefore go to all those involved in industry and German Armed Forces, because everyone really pulled together here,” Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said. The Luftwaffe plans to take a further two VIP-configured A350-900s. Upon their delivery, the cabin of the first unit will also be converted into the target configuration. Once all three A350-900s are operational, the Luftwaffe will retire its current long-haul VIP fleet, consisting of two A340-300s. The transition is expected to conclude by the end of 2022.