[ Airlines ] By Charlotte Seet
First Lufthansa Dreamliner Named after Germany's Capital
Lufthansa has been naming its aircraft after German cities for more than 60 years. However, only a few have been able to be named after Berlin, the German capital.
Lufthansa is the German capital. However, Lufthansa has had a special relationship with Berlin for over three decades.
The Lufthansa Group currently connects Berlin to approximately 260 destinations around the globe. This means that no other airline company flies more Berliners than the Lufthansa Group.
Berlin's first Boeing 707, registered as D–ABOC, was the start of the prestigious name. It was named after Berlin in the 1960s and 1970s. The only addition to the name is an Airbus A380, registered as D–AIMI.
The A380s don't seem to be returning into service so the Frankfurt-based carrier decided it was time to get a new aircraft with the historical name.
Lufthansa also revealed that the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner registered as D-ABPA would bear the name Berlin.
New Flying Ambassador
The ultra-modern long-haul aircraft is efficient and consumes around 30% less fuel than older generation aircraft.
Lufthansa's Dreamliner has a significantly reduced carbon dioxide emission, which is a boon for the airline as it works towards a more efficient fleet. This comes after signing leases for four Airbus A350-900s and four Airbus A350s.
The current pause in wide-body deliveries makes it uncertain if Lufthansa will be able receive its aircraft next year.
The delivery of the aircraft will be required before the ceremony can take place.
In hindsight, Berlin, the first of five Dreamliners ordered by Lufthansa, is expected to fly to Toronto as its first intercontinental destination. It departs from Frankfurt.
The airline currently uses its Airbus A350 to fly from Frankfurt to Toronto. It is possible that the Dreamliners will replace the A350s, so that A350s are available for other routes.
Positive Climb
Although the pandemic left a lot of questions for the aviation industry it seems like things are beginning to improve at a positive pace.
Lufthansa is increasing its flights from Frankfurt and Munich due to a steady increase in leisure destinations.
Spain is a popular destination, and German carriers have been flying extra to Palma de Mallorca and Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Malaga and other European cities.
In addition, business travel is on the rise, which has allowed Lufthansa's domestic flights to be expanded to accommodate business travelers.
Comparing July to October, the airline has increased its services by as much as 45% on October routes between Frankfurt and Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Munich to Berlin and Hamburg.
The expansion of the airline route network and the fleet means that new additions to their fleet will have a wide range of destinations available once they are delivered.
