Lufthansa’s Airbus A380 Fleet to Receive Luxurious Business Class Upgrade
Lufthansa plans to revamp its Airbus A380 fleet, reaffirming its commitment to these iconic aircraft. The German airline is set to invest in upgrading all eight A380s with its cutting-edge Allegris business class. This significant decision comes in light of Lufthansa’s dedication to delivering top-notch passenger experiences.
The German flag-carrier has joined Etihad and Qatar Airways in rolling its double-decker jets out of mothballs to cope with the surge in post-pandemic travel and a backlog of deliveries from Airbus and Boeing.
Lufthansa’s Allegris business class introduces a range of seating options, including spacious suites, double seats, privacy-focused configurations, and extra roomy seats, all designed with direct aisle access. Passengers can enjoy added perks like a personal wardrobe, minibar, a generous 17-inch entertainment screen, Bluetooth audio connectivity, wireless charging, and individual seat temperature controls.
The Airbus A380 would join the Boeing 747-8 in being retrofitted with the Star Alliance member’s new Allegris business class seats, which will replace the current out-dated 2-2-2 configuration on the superjumbo’s upper deck with the same ‘seats to suit’ approach as on the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 jets.
For travelers seeking ultimate comfort, Allegris business class offers a sprawling 6 feet / 2-meter long flatbed, a specially designed shoulder sink-in for side sleepers, and a convenient tablet to manage seat settings and in-flight entertainment.
The retrofitting project for Lufthansa’s A380s is slated to commence in 2024, with completion expected by 2026. This comprehensive upgrade aims to elevate passenger comfort and privacy while simultaneously enhancing the airline’s operational efficiency and sustainability. Notably, Lufthansa intends to unveil its new first-class product next year, further enhancing the onboard experience.
Lufthansa, an early adopter of the Airbus A380, initially boasted 14 of these colossal aircraft in its fleet. However, due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline made the tough decision to retire six older A380s and place the remaining eight in long-term storage. Now, with the gradual recovery of travel demand and delays in new aircraft deliveries, Lufthansa is reviving its A380 fleet and extending its service life until at least 2030.
Lufthansa’s Airbus A380s are scheduled to operate on various routes, which may vary depending on the season. For the upcoming summer 2024 schedule, Lufthansa has planned Airbus A380 flights on the following five routes:
- From March 31, 2024, there will be daily flights from Munich (MUC) to Boston (BOS) with flight numbers LH424/425.
- From March 31, 2024, Lufthansa will operate daily flights from Munich (MUC) to Delhi (DEL) with flight numbers LH762/763.
- From March 30, 2024, you can enjoy daily Airbus A380 service from Munich (MUC) to Los Angeles (LAX) with flight numbers LH452/453. This route continues from the winter service.
- From March 31, 2024, there will be daily flights from Munich (MUC) to New York (JFK) with flight numbers LH410/411.
- From June 1, 2024, Lufthansa plans to offer daily flights from Munich (MUC) to Washington (IAD) with flight numbers LH414/415.
Please note that these routes and schedules are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check with Lufthansa or the respective airports for the most up-to-date information on Airbus A380 flights.
This strategic move by Lufthansa underlines its commitment to providing passengers with exceptional travel experiences and ensures that the Airbus A380s continue to be a cornerstone of its long-haul operations.