by Lufthansa Flyer | Aug 14, 2014 | Business Class, Featured, Lufthansa |
Earlier today, I had the opportunity to review with Lufthansa their timeline and installation progress for the new long-haul Business Class cabin interior. A few weeks ago I provided data on specific tail numbers that had the new seating, this update looks more at the timeline going forward for the fleet at large.
The table below covers the entire period of the Business Class retrofit going back to 2013 and extends into mid-2015 when the retrofit is expected to be complete. If you look closely, you’ll see a noticeable decrease in the number of 747-400 aircraft going into 2015. This is as a result of Lufthansa retiring certain aircraft from service between now and next Spring. You’ll also notice large leaps between the end of 2014 and mid-2015. This is due to the fact that several long haul aircraft will be rotated out of service for maintenance and retrofit during Winter 2014/15 when fewer routes are flown with long haul aircraft.
| | Y/E 2013 | Q2 / 2014 | Q3 / 2014 | Q4 / 2014 | Mid Year 2015 |
A380
| 0 of 11 | 3 of 12 | 5 of 12 | 9 of 12 | 12 of 12 |
| A340-600 | 2 of 24 | 4 of 24 | 8 of 24 | 11 of 24 | 24 of 24 |
| A340-300 | 1 of 21 | 10 of 18 | 14 of 18 | 15 of 18 | 18 of 18 |
| A330-300 | 7 of 18 | 11 of 19 | 12 of 19 | 14 of 19 | 19 of 19 |
| Boeing 747-400 | 0 of 19 | 0 of 19 | 1 of 17 | 1 of 17 | 13 of 13 |
| Boeing 747-8i | 9 of 9 | 13 of 13 | 14 of 14 | 14 of 14 | 19 of 19 |
| | | | | |
| TOTALS | 19 of 104 | 40 of 105 | 52 of 104 | 63 of 104 | 105 of 105 |
by Lufthansa Flyer | Aug 8, 2014 | Business Class, Featured, Lufthansa |
In the coming days and weeks, Business Class passengers traveling on Lufthansa will be greeted by a new and improved Amenity Kit. Considering the Business Class kits used in the past, this looks like a fairly good upgrade.
The kit, from Samsonite, will feature a few minor updates to the contents as LH shifts to ‘Korres’ products. The kit will be available in Black and White versions and should be showing up on long haul flights very soon, if not already in circulation….
by Lufthansa Flyer | Aug 6, 2014 | Business Class, Fare Sale, Featured, Swiss |
SWISS is running a fare sale for Business Class travel from the USA to several cities in Europe with pricing start at $2200-2300 (New York – Zurich). Most East Coast and Midwest departures (Chicago) range between $2200 and $2400 while departures from San Francisco and Los Angeles range between $2900 and $3400.
Like most Business Class fare sales, these rates are approximately 50% off of their normal price and are actually very good deals. Traditionally you’ll find the best premium fares of the year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Take advantage of them if you plan on visiting the Christmas Markets that start in Europe at the same time!
According to the terms/conditions (which were not provided in detail), it looks like the fare sale covers travel between November 22 through December 5. However, you may find variances based on specific city pairs.
Also pay attention to the operating carrier. Some of my search results gave me the option of flying United or Edelweiss. Make sure that if you are going to spend $2500 on the ticket, that you make certain that SWISS is operating your flight! I say this because SWISS has one of the best Business Class products between the USA and Europe and it would be a shame for you to spend the money and not experience their hospitality!
