Lufthansa News

ch-aviation

TAP Portugal CEO warns of challenges in Lufthansa deal

Airline Weekly

Lufthansa’s TAP deal, Korean Air’s expansion and rising costs frame questions over aviation’s future

Lufthansa’s interest in TAP, Korean Air’s expansion and mounting cost pressures offer a snapshot of forces shaping the airline industry. The developments raise broader questions about consolidation, growth and the economics confronting carriers, though the available summary provides no deal terms or specific cost figures.

AeroTime

High activity

Lufthansa and SWISS phase out A340s as Lufthansa’s final A340-600 flight marks fleet transition

Lufthansa has operated its final A340-600 flight, while Lufthansa and SWISS are retiring their A340 fleets after 23 years of service. Separately, Lufthansa plans to retire its last eight 747-400s; Edelweiss expects to keep one A340-300 in service until January 2027.

AeroTime

Lufthansa adds fuel uplift for Frankfurt flights as Zurich draws on reserves

Lufthansa has told crews to carry extra fuel into Frankfurt as jet-fuel supply tightens at the German hub. Switzerland is releasing fuel reserves to avert a shortage at Zurich Airport, highlighting supply pressure at two major European airports and the operational measures being taken to keep flights fueled.

Bloomberg

High activity

Portugal selects Lufthansa for up to 49.9% stake in TAP, choosing its proposal over Air France-KLM

Portugal’s Council of Ministers selected Lufthansa Group to acquire a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, ending a privatization contest with Air France-KLM. Reports put the proposed share at 44.9% and the bid at €1.2 billion; the government said Lufthansa’s proposal was financially stronger.

Bloomberg

Lufthansa reportedly leads race for 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal

Portugal is expected to name a buyer for a 44.9% interest in TAP Air Portugal, with Lufthansa reportedly ahead of Air France-KLM. SIC reports Lufthansa’s all-cash offer outpaces its rival’s bid; the Portuguese government’s decision was expected Wednesday.

ch-aviation

Lufthansa to resume Frankfurt–Chubu service in March 2027 with 787-9 Allegris cabin

Lufthansa plans to restart its Frankfurt–Chubu route on March 29, 2027, operating three round trips weekly. The service will use Boeing 787-9s fitted with the carrier’s Allegris cabin, bringing the new interior to the route as Lufthansa restores a link between Frankfurt and central Japan.

FlightGlobal

High activity

British Airways to remove 52 seats in major A380 cabin overhaul, expanding premium economy and business class

British Airways is redesigning its Airbus A380 cabins, removing 52 seats to add premium-economy capacity and create what it says will be the world’s largest business-class deck. The investment reflects the airline’s effort to prioritize higher-yield passengers at slot-constrained Heathrow, even as A380 production has ended and new widebodies face delays.