Lufthansa has announced a significant delay in the full implementation of its highly anticipated Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, specifically those featuring the innovative Allegris business class seats, pushing the complete launch timeline to September 2025. This setback primarily stems from unforeseen certification delays concerning the new premium seating, a crucial component of the airline’s ambitious cabin modernization program.
Passengers eagerly awaiting the enhanced comfort and choice offered by the Allegris cabin will, unfortunately, not experience its full benefits immediately upon the Dreamliner’s introduction. A substantial portion of the advanced business class seats will remain unavailable for booking, directly impacted by the ongoing certification hurdles with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has yet to grant full approval for these specific seat designs.
As a strategic response to these operational constraints, the Boeing 787-9 fleet will initially be deployed on routes where there is a historically lower demand for premium class seating. A prime example includes the service between Germany and Montreal, a transatlantic corridor identified as suitable for this interim deployment, ensuring operational efficiency while the certification process progresses.
Currently, Lufthansa operates five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with an additional thirty aircraft on firm order, underscoring its long-term commitment to this advanced fleet. Compounding the issue, fifteen more Boeing 787s are presently stored in the United States, effectively grounded and awaiting the necessary approvals to become fully operational with the Allegris configuration.
The airline is actively engaged in collaborative efforts with key industry partners, including Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and the FAA, to expedite the resolution of these critical certification matters. Lufthansa remains optimistic, expressing a strong hope that the comprehensive approval for the Allegris seats will be secured by the close of 2025, thereby allowing for the complete integration and full functionality of the 787 fleet.
It is noteworthy that the Allegris cabin upgrade, initially unveiled by Lufthansa in 2022 with an intended service launch by 2023, has faced multiple timeline extensions due to a confluence of factors including aircraft delivery slowdowns and broader supply chain disruptions. Despite these challenges, the Airbus A350-900, which also features the Allegris cabin, commenced commercial flights in May 2024, marking a significant program milestone and demonstrating the success of its certified seats.
The Allegris initiative represents a profound overhaul of Lufthansa’s long-haul service, elevating the passenger experience across all four classes: first class, business class, premium economy, and economy. A standout innovation within the Allegris business class is the introduction of five distinct seat types, each strategically priced, offering unparalleled flexibility and choice to cater to diverse passenger needs and preferences, a strategy that has already yielded a double-digit increase in revenue.
While Lufthansa’s initial ambition was to complete the retrofit of its entire long-haul fleet, comprising 120 aircraft, with Allegris cabins by the end of 2025, the persistent certification delays and extended aircraft delivery schedules have necessitated an adjusted target, now set for the end of 2027. The first Allegris-equipped Airbus A350-900, designated D-AIXT, successfully inaugurated service on May 1, 2024, on its route from Munich to Vancouver International Airport, setting a precedent for the rollout.
Despite the current setbacks, Lufthansa maintains a strong conviction regarding the substantial long-term benefits that the Allegris cabin will deliver. Early financial indicators show that passengers are prepared to pay a premium for the enhanced seating options, contributing significantly to increased revenue from the newly retrofitted aircraft. Once fully certified, these innovative seats are poised to dramatically elevate the long-haul travel experience, offering superior comfort, greater flexibility, and expanded choices for global travelers.
