Lufthansa's New Airbus A350s Head to Storage Amid Cabin Supply Delays

In an unexpected turn of events, Lufthansa, Germany's flagship airline, has sent its two newly acquired Airbus A350-900 aircraft to the Teruel Airport (TEV) in Spain, a location known for aircraft storage. This decision comes amidst challenges with cabin supply delays.

The Journey to Storage

Lufthansa's first Airbus A350-900, registered as D-AIXR, was delivered on November 15, 2023, and immediately ferried to TEV, where it has remained grounded, as per Flightradar24. The second aircraft, D-AIXS, shared a similar fate, arriving at TEV on January 12, 2024, shortly after its delivery at the end of December 2023.

Behind the Scenes: Supply Issues at Core

According to aeroTELEGRAPH, Lufthansa's decision to store these aircraft is attributed to delays from interior suppliers. The airline is awaiting the delivery of its new Allegris cabin interiors, encompassing first class, business class, premium economy, and economy sections. These state-of-the-art interiors, part of a significant investment, are expected to debut in the second quarter of 2024.

A Comparison: Air India's Strategy

Interestingly, Air India faced a similar situation with its first Airbus A350-900, VT-JRA. Originally intended for Aeroflot, the aircraft was redirected to Air India due to sanctions against Russia. However, it retained Aeroflot’s interiors, with minor modifications like seat covers and headrest fabrics by Air India, as reported by Runway Girl Network.

The Allegris Experience

Unveiled in February 2023, Lufthansa's Allegris cabins aim to revolutionize the long-haul flight experience. This upgrade, initially set for 2024, is part of a €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) investment by Lufthansa. Over 80 new aircraft, including the Airbus A350, Boeing 777X, and Boeing 787-9, will feature these interiors. Additionally, existing Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 fleets will undergo cabin refreshments.

The Implications

This move by Lufthansa, while a tactical response to supply chain issues, highlights the complexities airlines face in maintaining fleet modernization amidst unpredictable supplier dynamics. The aviation industry, especially business travelers who value efficiency and comfort, eagerly awaits the rollout of the Allegris cabins, promising a new standard in air travel luxury.