As the Boeing 747-8F is heading to flight test and the Boeing 747-8I Intercontinental reached the milestone of 90% completion of detailed design, Airways Aviation News recently queried 747-8I Intercontinental customer Lufthansa on its view towards the 747-8I & A380.
Special thanks go to Lufthansa Head of Communications Asia Pacific Frank Puttmann for answering the questions.
1.) Is Lufthansa looking into ordering additional 747-8I?
Frank: Lufthansa has ordered 20 Boeing 747-8I. The first will be delivered [by the] end of 2011. The rest will follow. As communicated in December 2006, we also have 20 further options.
According to the industry customs Lufthansa reserves the right to decide on short term basis about the delivery date of these further aircraft.
Image Courtesy of Boeing
2.) How does LH view the 747-8I’s fuel efficiency when compared with the A380?
Frank: It is difficult to compare the fuel efficiency of both aircraft as Lufthansa does not operate a single one of them yet.
By modernising the fleet, the new aircraft will bring further gains in efficiency as well as reduce fuel and operating costs. Both aircraft types are sustainable investments in ecological efficiency and add greater weight to Lufthansa’s active commitment to environmental protection. The decision on the fleet underscores our clear commitment to customer orientation and profitable growth as well as the deep sense of responsibility it brings to bear on environmental issues and sustainability. With these aircraft we will reduce emissions lastingly by 20 per cent compared with earlier models.
Both models supplement each other and fit well within our modern fleet. A modern and well-structured fleet forms the backbone of a service and market-driven airline. Moreover, Lufthansa has always operated aircraft of both manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing and will follow this strategy in the future. LH Group currently operates over 700 aircraft; thus our fleet is big enough to operate aircraft of two different manufacturers. In all, we benefit from the competition of the two providers.
3.) How does LH predict the A380 in terms of CASK (Cost per Available Seat Kilometre) & yields specifically?
Frank: No comment due to competition reasons.
Image Courtesy of Randy's Journal
4.) As LH will reduce its spending on fleet renewal next year, will LH evaluate the A350 XWB & B787 Dreamliner more intensively? Does LH have a timeframe for a decision over the A350 & 787?
Frank: Lufthansa has no pressure to decide. We constantly analyse the possibilities and will decide when the time has come. Currently there has been no decision. We are in talks with Boeing and Airbus and Lufthansa will choose the technical and commercial optimum.
5.) How does LH expect the business environment in 2010 to be after LH CFO made the comment that “some analysts’ forecasts are too optimistic”?
Frank: Lufthansa has not yet given a guidance for 2010. Mr. Gemkow, Lufthansa CFO, was holding a speech in front of analysts and was talking about the current imponderabilities of our industry (i.e. recovery of economy, oil price development). Against this background he said that some analysts expectations are optimistic.
Traditionally, Lufthansa will at the earliest give a guidance for the current year at annual press conference on 11 March 2010.
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