Lufthansa Technik will take the reins on developing the new first class suites for sister Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 widebodies, the MRO giant has revealed.
Launching an ambitious new growth programme yesterday called Ambition 2030, which will see Lufthansa Technik make extensive investments in the expansion of its core business and its international presence, the firm said it will develop the “new first class” for Lufthansa’s jumbo jets. The carrier operates 19 Boeing 747-8s.
So what will first class aboard the 747-8s look like?
In October 2022, Lufthansa first released renderings of its new Priestmangoode-designed ‘Allegris’ generation of seats across cabin classes — including spectacular new private first-class suites. It noted that aircraft already in service would receive the platform.
Allegris first class wowed with its colour, materials and finish. Image: Lufthansa Group
By late February 2023, when Lufthansa invited journalists to Berlin to see the Allegris product line across classes, the carrier was ready to show off some prototypes, with first class boasting impressive space, intriguing new semi-flexible doors, and a massive IFE screen.
Not since the Etihad Residence has the needle been moved in partner first class leisure travel this much, RGN reported at the time. Image: John Walton
But a jumbo-sized question loomed for the product, as noted by RGN: how will Lufthansa accommodate the double bed Plus product — the centre section’s two-seater sofa that converts into a double bed — given that first class aboard the 747-8 is in the nose?
The overall look and feel is excellent. Image: John Walton
Whilst we don’t yet know how it will be done, or indeed how much of the original design will be retained, we do know that Lufthansa Technik has been tasked with the modifications.
“The entire aviation industry is suffering from a shortage of resources among suppliers and service providers. Full access to Lufthansa Technik’s MRO expertise and resources also represents a major strategic advantage for the Lufthansa Group in the long term. One example of this is the development of a new first class for Lufthansa Airlines Boeing 747-8 fleet,” revealed Lufthansa Technik in its Ambition 2030 update.
“Lufthansa Technik will be responsible for this new development and implement the new premium seats.”
Kai Peters, the seat designer for Allegris, told Runway Girl Network in June at the Aircraft Interiors Expo that the 747-8s will be retrofitted with Allegris in the 2024-25 timeframe. Whether or not that timeframe stills holds remains to be seen.
As mentioned by Lufthansa Technik, industry is grappling with major supply chain constraints. And in September, German website aeroTELEGRAPH reported that those bottlenecks are delaying the Collins Aerospace-manufactured first class suite’s debut on Lufthansa’s incoming Airbus A350s.
But anyone who flies in Lufthansa’s eight-seat first class cabin aboard the 747-8 knows that the current-generation product is no slouch.
Back in 2017, on a flight from Frankfurt to Los Angeles, RGN contributor John Walton burned many frequent flyer miles to sit in the pointiest of pointy ends on one of the airline’s jumbo jets, finding the experience to be nothing short of “sublime”.
So we’re certainly prepared to be wowed by the forthcoming bespoke version of Allegris first class on the 747-8. After all, Lufthansa Tecknik boasts extensive capabilities in aircraft interior engineering, logistics and refurbishments.
Lufthansa’s current first class seat is comfortable and fully featured. Image: John Walton
Related Articles:
- Allegris first class moves the Lufthansa premium product needle
- Lufthansa Allegris economy and premium economy: overall better
- Lufthansa unveils new first, biz, premium and eco Allegris generation
- Lufthansa first class largely delivers on its well-earned reputation
Featured image credited to John Walton
