Lufthansa expands Boeing 787 operations while reducing US flight frequencies this winter

On the Frankfurt–Detroit (DTW) route, operations are scheduled for a series of changes. The A340-300 will be replaced by an A340-600 from October 26 through November 30. From December 1 onward, the Boeing 787-9 will take over on this corridor. Commenting on this transition, Lufthansa Airlines CEO Jens Ritter stated:

"With the arrival of the Boeing 787-9 today, the modernization of our long-haul fleet at our largest hub is now also receiving a major boost. This will enable us to use significantly quieter and fuel-efficient aircraft types featuring the latest technology for our guests in Frankfurt as well."

Frequency reductions are also planned for Detroit flights, which will decrease from daily service to five weekly departures between January 27 and February 24. In contrast, other US destinations such as Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) will maintain daily service throughout winter according to AeroRoutes data. The Frankfurt-Newark route is scheduled to receive Dreamliner service beginning January 20; meanwhile, thrice-weekly flights between Frankfurt and Raleigh/Durham (RDU) will switch from A340-300s to Boeing 787-9s starting January 1.

In an exception among North American routes, Lufthansa plans a temporary shift back to older equipment: The Airbus A340-300 will replace a Dreamliner on flights between Frankfurt and Montréal (YUL) in October.

Current fleet information shows that Lufthansa operates six Boeing 787-9 aircraft with an average age of three years. Over time, another twenty-nine units are expected for a total of thirty-five Dreamliners in its long-haul fleet.

Lufthansa configures its Boeing 787-9s in two layouts: a standard version seating up to two hundred ninety-four passengers across business class, premium economy, and economy cabins; and a lower-density 'Allegris' configuration accommodating two hundred eighty-seven passengers but offering enhanced features in each class segment. Certification delays have affected availability in some Allegris business class seats until regulatory approval is secured.

Recent delivery delays have forced Lufthansa to continue operating some Airbus A340 jets longer than planned—postponing their retirement until at least 2026.