Lufthansa’s first Airbus A350-1000 will enter scheduled passenger service on December 3, 2026, flying from Munich to Tokyo Haneda. Shanghai and Singapore will join its route network in the following weeks.
The aircraft is due to arrive in Munich from Airbus’ Toulouse facilities in mid-November, allowing time for final preparations before its commercial debut.
Flights on the three routes will feature Lufthansa’s Allegris cabin, with A350-1000 and A350-900 aircraft operating alternately.
Munich to base Lufthansa’s first ten A350-1000s
The Lufthansa Group has ordered 15 A350-1000 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2030. The first ten will operate for Lufthansa and be based at its Munich hub.
The introduction forms part of the group’s wider fleet renewal programme and will increase the number of premium seats available on selected long-haul services.
“Our new flagship features 40 percent more Business and Premium Economy seats,” said Heiko Reitz, Lufthansa Airlines Board Member and Hub Manager Munich.
“To put it simply: The A350-1000 strengthens our premium hub in Munich.”
Four cabins with Allegris seats and suites
At 73.8 metres long, the A350-1000 is approximately seven metres longer than the A350-900. Lufthansa’s configuration will accommodate around 300 passengers across four travel classes.
First Class will feature two individual suites and one Suite Plus, providing accommodation for three to four passengers. Business Class will have 49 seats, including eight in suites, while Premium Economy will offer 35 seats and Economy will have 212.
Passengers booking the Tokyo, Shanghai and Singapore services will have access to Allegris cabins, although the alternating schedule means flights will not all be operated by the larger A350-1000.
“Deutschland” joins Lufthansa’s anniversary fleet
The first aircraft, registered D-AIFA, will be named “Deutschland” and carry a special livery marking Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary.
It will become the seventh aircraft in the airline’s anniversary fleet and the 700th aircraft delivered by Airbus to the Lufthansa Group.
Its arrival in Munich will also mark the group’s first delivery of the A350-1000 variant.
New aircraft targets lower fuel consumption
The A350-1000 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and combines aerodynamic improvements with lightweight materials. More than half of its construction consists of composites, alongside titanium and modern aluminium alloys.
According to Lufthansa, these technologies reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 25% compared with previous-generation aircraft. The airline also says the aircraft’s certified noise levels fall below the limits set by ICAO’s Chapter 14 standard.
