At its meeting on 20th September, the Lufthansa Supervisory Board approved an order for 35 new aircraft. From 2007, Lufthansa will take delivery of a total of 30 new short- and medium-range aircraft: five Airbus A319s, ten Airbus A320s and 15 Airbus A321s. Lufthansa has also taken options on a further 30 aircraft of the A320 family. In addition, the Supervisory Board gave the goahead for Lufthansa to order five long-range Airbus A330s.

This decision will allow Lufthansa to continue expanding and modernising its fleet. The Airbus jets on order are highly fuel-efficient, low-emission and quiet aircraft. "This order underlines our commitment to growth. Our customers will benefit from the wider range of flight options. We are achieving profitable growth and are thus opening up new perspectives for our employees and shareholders," said Lufthansa Chairman and CEO Wolfgang Mayrhuber.

Deliveries of the 30 short-and medium-range aircraft will start in 2007. The order will enable Lufthansa to boost capacity, as planned, over the next few years and also to steadily pursue its policy of fleet renewal. Lufthansa's European fleet currently comprises 153 aircraft, 80 of which belong to the Airbus family. A further 145 smaller aircraft operate regional services on behalf of Lufthansa.

The order for five long-range Airbus A330s will underpin Lufthansa's plans for growth in the long-haul sector. The aircraft, which will be delivered over the next two years, will also compensate for the delayed entry into service of the Airbus A380 and permit further expansion on long-haul routes. At present, Lufthansa's long-haul fleet consists of 83 aircraft, including ten Airbus A330s.