Lufthansa, Germany’s flag carrier, has confirmed its intention to phase out its Airbus A340-600 fleet by spring 2026. This move comes as part of the airline’s long-term fleet modernization strategy and coincides with the progressive introduction of Boeing 787-9 aircraft into its widebody operations.
Air France and Lufthansa have officially halted negotiations with the Hidalgo family, the owners of Spanish airline Air Europa, over the proposed acquisition of a 25% stake in the carrier. The talks reportedly collapsed due to an unresolved dispute concerning the valuation of Air Europa, which the Hidalgo family placed at $1.1 billion.
Lufthansa Group reported a 10% increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, reaching US$9.2 billion, while recording an adjusted EBIT loss of US$821 million. Despite the loss, the group maintained a strong liquidity position of US$12.9 billion.
Lufthansa has reached an agreement to acquire three Boeing B787-9 Dreamliners that were originally manufactured for Norwegian but remained undelivered. The aircraft, identified by serial numbers 63350, 63348, and 63349, have been stored for several years after Norwegian underwent a restructuring and cancelled several aircraft orders.
Lufthansa is reportedly evaluating the registration of its forthcoming Boeing 787 aircraft in Switzerland, rather than Germany or another EU country, as a strategy to mitigate the impact of ongoing tariffs stemming from trade tensions between the United States and the European Union.
Lufthansa, Germany’s flagship carrier, has taken delivery of a new Airbus A350-900, identified by serial number 734, powered by Trent XWB-84 engines developed by Rolls-Royce. The aircraft will support the airline’s strategy to modernize its widebody fleet with more efficient, long-range aircraft.
Air Europa, the Spanish carrier currently undergoing a privatization and acquisition process, is facing increased uncertainty in its sale as the airline evaluates underwhelming offers from major European airline groups. Bids submitted by both Lufthansa (Germany) and Air France-KLM are reportedly below expectations, casting doubt over the timing and structure of a potential transaction.
Lufthansa is expanding its widebody fleet with the acquisition of two additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, originally manufactured for another airline but never taken up. These aircraft are expected to receive registrations D-ABQE and D-ABQF, reinforcing Lufthansa’s commitment to modernizing its long-haul fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft.
Air France-KLM has made a $326.8 million bid to acquire a 51% stake in Air Europa, a strategic move that would strengthen its presence in Spain and enhance its long-haul connectivity to Latin America.
Lufthansa (Germany) is set to undergo significant leadership changes within its Supervisory Board in May 2025, with Thomas Enders stepping down and Alexis von Hoensbroech emerging as the leading candidate to replace him. Additionally, Chairman Karl-Ludwig Kley is expected to vacate his position, with Christoph Franz likely to take over.
