The wait is nearly over. Beginning next month, Lufthansa will debut its new generation of longhaul cabins, dubbed Allegris, aboard Airbus A350-900 aircraft flying from Munich to Vancouver, Canada.
Allegris is the Lufthansa-mainline brand for the Lufthansa Group’s so-called Future Inter-Continental Experience (FICE), and comprises new products for first, business, premium economy and economy class.
“The time has come: on 1 May 2024, the first Airbus A350 will take off from Munich to Vancouver with the new Lufthansa Allegris long-haul experience on board,” says the airline in a statement.
During the introductory phase lasting several months, passengers will be able to experience the new economy class, premium economy class and business class on selected flights between Munich and Vancouver (LH476/LH477) and between Munich and Toronto (LH494/LH495).
By late summer 2024, further aircraft will be deployed on additional routes — initially between Munich and Chicago (LH434/LH435).
Rollout of the new Allegris first class product will take a little longer due to supply chain constraints, as first reported by Germany’s aeroTELEGRAPH. But its introduction is still planned for 2024.
“With the delivery of more A350 aircraft, the new first class will also be available for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2024,” says Lufthansa.
The first Allegris-fitted aircraft landed at Munich Airport on 13 April. In advance of the 1 May revenue service launch, members of the media will get the chance to preview Allegris aboard the A350 during a 25 April event at the Lufthansa Hangar Munich.
But let’s take a look at what passengers can expect on board.
Business class, naturally, features all direct aisle access, full-flat suites. However, in a novel unbundled-cabin approach, Lufthansa is giving customers in business class the option to pay extra for certain seat types like those offering a longer bed or more privacy.
The carrier will ensure that its “Classic Seat” is priced as baseline business, however. The Classic Seat includes the aisle-adjacent seat of the outboard sections, and the aisle-adjacent seats in the centre (but not the Extra Long Bed versions).
Passengers can also avail of first-of-its-kind active thermal conditioning to stay warm or cool, as they so choose.
Allegris was shortlisted for a Crystal Cabin Award in 2023. Image: Mary Kirby
Premium economy isn’t really new-new, having already been implemented by Lufthansa Group carrier Swiss. Elements of note include that it is a fixed backshell product with a slide-forward mechanism to recline rather than a pivoting recliner — a kinematic choice that some passengers love and some passengers loathe.
Economy class looks to be where Lufthansa is planning to go full market segmentation. In addition to regular economy seats configured 9-abreast, the airline has said it intends to offer “Free Neighbour” and “Sleeper’s Row 2.0” products.
The stunning first class product, meanwhile, might be delayed until year-end but it’s a standout offering that moves the needle in terms of passenger experience.
Among the many new first class features, the centre section is expected to offer a two-seater sofa that converts into a double bed. There’s also an interesting new flexible door. The color, materials and finish (CMF) include a series of rich dark blue textures, coppery metal, warm woods and glossy stone-effect horizontal surfaces.
Lufthansa Group has turned to several different seatmakers to support its FICE program across types, including Collins Aerospace, Thompson Aero Seating, Stelia, ZIM, and Recaro Aircraft Seating.
Even the group’s own mammoth MRO operation, Lufthansa Technik, has been tapped to build custom first class suites, accommodating the unique design considerations of Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 jumbos. Whether or not this program might catapult Lufthansa Technik into a more formal seatmaker role remains to be seen. CEO Soeren Stark deflected the question during the firm’s recent annual press conference.
“Our guests will be able to enjoy state-of-the-art seats and many other innovations for their individual well-being,” assures Lufthansa in a message to media about the debut of Allegris. It believes Allegris will set premium experience standards “in all classes”.
Related Articles:
- Classic aisle seats will be baseline business on Lufthansa Allegris
- Lufthansa turns to Lufthansa Technik for 747-8 first class suites
- Lufthansa Allegris premium economy and economy: overall better
- Lufthansa’s Allegris business class takes unbundling to the extremes
- Allegris first class moves the Lufthansa premium product needle
- Swiss tickles the Senses but product positioning questions arise
- Lufthansa touts seven different business class options under Allegris
- What does a five-star business class seat look like in 2023?
- Lufthansa unveils new first, biz, premium and eco Allegris generation
All renderings/images credited to Lufthansa unless otherwise stated
