German national carrier Lufthansa has confirmed it will launch scheduled service with its new Boeing 747-8I Intercontinental passenger aircraft from the start of June initially on the Frankfurt – Washington route. The airline has recently received the first of five aircraft it is due to receive from the manufacturer over the coming months and accepted delivery of the jet on May 1, 2012 following airline-specific configuration work ahead of its delivery flight to Frankfurt.
Lufthansa is the first airline customer for the new aircraft which is expected to deliver double-digit improvements in fuel burn and emissions over its predecessor, the 747-400, while generating 30 per cent less noise. It placed an order for 20 aircraft in December 2006 saying it was selected to fill the gap between its then largest aircraft – the 310-seat Airbus A340-600 and 360-seat 747-400 and its subsequently acquired A380s, which seat around 150 passengers more.
Shortly after the handover of the first aircraft last week, Star Alliance member Lufthansa opened reservations for the type on the Frankfurt – Washington route - it will operate six weekly flights on the transatlantic service from June 1, 2012. However, the carrier has also revealed that it will use the additional aircraft on routes to Bangalore, Chicago, Los Angeles and New Delhi. The two Indian destinations are no surprise as the carrier is currently not permitted to use its A380s on flights in the country.
"Lufthansa and Boeing have a long and proud history of working together to bring new innovations to the airline industry," said Jim Albaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are grateful for Lufthansa's inspiration and leadership in helping us design a new Queen of the Skies for the 21st Century, and I'm proud of what Boeing employees have accomplished by bringing this great airplane to Lufthansa and the world."
Lufthansa confirms that the 747-8I is configured with its revamped Business Class product, but it has not yet revealed the exact layout of the aircraft. According to GDS information the Jumbo will have eight First Class, 92 Business Class and 262 Economy seats, although it appears that only 86 Business Class seats are sellable suggesting that six of them are reserved for crew rest.
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