The aircraft are expected to be transported from the Boeing workshop in Seattle to their future base in Frankfurt am Main in February and March 2019.
“We are thrilled to soon be welcoming two brand new freighters to our 777 fleet. This major investment in the future of Lufthansa Cargo has been made possible by last year’s outstanding results,” said Peter Gerber, CEO and Chairman of the airline’s Executive Board. “This is a fitting reward for the tremendous efforts of all Lufthansa Cargo employees and emphasises that we have taken the right course at an early stage.”
The new aircraft will contribute to the modernisation of the fleet and are expected to replace MD-11F freighters in the long term. With the market thriving, Lufthansa Cargo will continue to operate some of the MD-11Fs earmarked for retirement for the time being, so as to provide customers with greater cargo capacity.
“This allows us to fully participate in the market growth but respond flexibly to signs of change,” said Gerber. “Accordingly, we will decide on when to phase out individual MD-11Fs based on the market situation. Our strategic goal remains to operate a solely B777F fleet going forward.”