Factory-delivered Airbus A350-900s will be the first aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet to receive the new Allegris First Class Suites in 2024. Next will be the 777-9s that the German airline hopes to receive in 2025, while the in-service 747-8Is will be retrofitted. There will be no First Class on the Boeing 787-9s.
Lufthansa unveiled prototypes of the new Allegris First Class and Business Class suites and products during a media event in Berlin today, having announced a rigorous update of its premium cabins in October last year. In the next two years, the airline will invest €2.5 billion in Allegris and roll it out on some eighty new aircraft and the nineteen 747-8s.
Lufthansa clearly aims for the Middle East and Asian competition when it comes to raising the bar of its premium product, although Qantas and Air France-KLM are doing the same with their premium products. First Class is a huge step compared to the existing product on the 747-8.
On the A350-900, there will be three First Class Suites, two near the windows, and a centrally positioned double ‘Suite Plus” for two passengers (see main picture). This suite is a small room with ceiling-high walls, a sliding door, a large table, and two wide, one-meter seats that can be transformed into flat beds. Customers will also be treated to a fully updated gourmet menu. The new First Class has been designed by PriestmanGoode.
The new Business Class cabin will be introduced first on the Boeing 787-9. (Lufthansa)
Business Class
While customers will have to wait another year to see the First Class product, the new Business Class will be introduced this year on the new Boeing 787-9s. Forget the hybrid Business Class on four ex-Hainan Airlines Dreamliners that Lufthansa sourced from Boeing, this is an all-new product designed by Pearson Lloyd. On the Boeing, there will be 28 seats, including four Business Class Suites. The new A350s will have even 38 seats and eight suites. Suites in the central position of the cabin can be converted into a double suite.
All seats have a sliding door and come with direct access to the aisle, something the original Business Class product is lacking. To make things a bit more complicated, passengers can choose from seven different seat options. While one has a longer bed, the other seat is more suitable when flying with an infant, with another suite having a table and more space if one wishes to work. Business seats are produced by Stelia, Thompson, and Collins.
Premium Economy
Lufthansa will also introduce Premium Economy, but copy/paste the product that has been in service with SWISS since Spring 2022. On the Boeing 787, there will be 28 PE seats, on the A350 24. They offer 99 centimeters seat pitch for more legroom. Seats are produced by ZIM.
Economy Class will also get an update with new Recaro seats. Those who want to have more legroom can book seats at the front of the Economy cabin: 34 on a Dreamliner and 22 on an A350. In total, there are 231 Economy seats on the 787 and 201 seats on the A350.
