Lufthansa’s 787 Business Class Blues
Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabin concept has made its grand entrance, but not without its fair share of hiccups — and by hiccups, I mean it’s been a bit like trying to herd cats through a room full of laser pointers. As we tiptoed through 2024, Lufthansa found itself with a fleet of eager Boeing 787s, ready to spread their wings. There was just one teeny-tiny stumbling block: getting those posh seats certified. So, what’s the latest reality on this airborne soap opera?
Lufthansa’s 787 Business Class Certification Conundrum
The aviation world was all abuzz in 2024 when Lufthansa rolled out its snazzy new Allegris concept. Headliner? The latest Allegris business class, boasting direct aisle access from every seat. Upper crust travelers rejoiced!
This new shiny product first boarded the Airbus A350-900, but not without a few scuffles at the gate. Supply chain meltdowns delayed the snazzy new seats. While business, premium economy, and economy passengers enjoyed their spruce surroundings, those in the non-existent first class were left twiddling their thumbs. Lufthansa flew with the first class cabin’s space beautifully… vacuous. Luckily, after some tense months, this issue was finally laid to rest.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa’s Boeing 787s have been stuck in a holding pattern stateside, just itching to show off their new interiors, sans first class. Picture this: 15 Dreamliners just coolin’ their jets in storage, some already tricked out with full cabins.
And here’s the snag: The United States’ trusty aviation watchdog, the FAA, hasn’t given the green light for these seats. Now, you might wonder, “Aren’t these seats the same as those on the A350?” Well, they’re not twins, just cousins. The A350 seats come courtesy of Thompson Aero, while the 787’s seats are the brainchild of Collins Aerospace (keep up, please). And of course, every aircraft type demands its own set of stamp approvals.
So where are we now? According to some insider nods from a Lufthansa exec, the seat tests have wrapped up. But, drumroll, folks — we’re waiting for the results. Passing the tests remains a question mark.
Decembers are usually celebrated with festive cheer, but in 2024, a Lufthansa executive dropped a bombshell at an event, warning that they might not clear certification at all. Yikes! Has the confidence level risen since then, or are nerves still frayed? Your guess is as good as mine.
Lufthansa Longs for 787 Deliveries in the Coming Months
Lufthansa is no stranger to challenges, but right now, they’re facing an aircraft shortage that’s enough to make their hair stand on end. The much-anticipated Boeing 777X, once slated to breathe new life into the fleet, has now been demoted to the back of the line, courtesy of a six-year delay. Picking up the slack were the trusty Airbus A350s, but again, delayed launches rocked the boat. Now, the hurdles with their Boeing 787s are adding layers to this onion of delays.
Reports suggest Lufthansa is setting its sights on the summer for their 787’s maiden deliveries, with hopes they’ll be gracing the skies before year’s end. Cross your fingers, folks, because there’s no guarantee those business class seats will get the go-ahead, nor can we be sure this timeline won’t have a few tweaks.
At one point, there was chatter about putting the bored 787s into action, just minus business class passengers. Essentially, let the economy and premium economy have their flighty fun, while business class seats remain ghostly white cloths covered. But whether they soar or stay parked, you can bet the economics of it all are eyebrow-raising, to say the least.
Bottom Line
Lufthansa’s fleet of fancy new Boeing 787s are sitting pretty, but getting them into the skies has been nothing short of a seat certification saga. With around 15 planes lined up, the open skies seem so tantalizingly close, yet so far, as the seat conundrum holds them back. The heart of the issue? Different seat manufacturers for the A350 versus the 787. It’s a plane-lovers soap opera, without the redemption arc (at least, not just yet).
The testing phase has run its course, but as for if Lufthansa emerges triumphant? That chapter is still unwritten. The hopes are pinned on a 2025 summer debut, with fingers crossed for these wings to take flight before the year’s final curtain call.
In the throes of unveiling Allegris, Lufthansa has faced more turbulence than a ride through a thunderstorm. From A350s departing with vacant first class spaces, to 787s gathering dust on American tarmac, the road’s been bumpier than an economy seat in the middle of peak turbulence. Meanwhile, our friends at SWISS are rolling out the same seating products, already entrenched in their hurdles. The aviation drama rises, page by page. For other luxury options while waiting for Lufthansa to get airborne, consider exploring the Val Seny ski resort — at least it’s guaranteed to have a soft landing!
Your take on Lufthansa’s Dreamliner debacle?