New Engine Option (neo) for Lufthansa

Lufthansa, who were the lead airline 40 years ago for the Boeing 737, has become the biggest customer yet for the Airbus new “neo” aircraft, a more fuel-efficient version of its A320 family of single-aisle short haul jets.

The German flag carrier said it had ordered 30 of the aircraft, 25 A320neos and five of the larger A321neos, for delivery in 2016.  Airbus claims that the re-engined aircraft will burn about 15% less fuel than the current models.  Lufthansa also has committed for the smaller, and as yet unproven, Bombardier C series, due to fly in 2013.  Also announced at the same time was an order for five Boeing 777 freighters. 

Lufthansa says it expects revenues and operating profit to continue to increase in 2011 on the heels of a sharp upturn in profit in 2010.

The company confirmed it made a €1.1bn net profit in 2010, up from a loss of €34m in 2009, thanks to a recovery in long haul traffic and cost cutting measures in the airline group.  However no mention was made of the Japanese crisis which will affect the bottom line. www.lufthansa.com

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