World’s Largest Airbus Customer Receives Its 700th Airbus: First A350-1000 to Fly to Tokyo in December

The Lufthansa Group has reached a major milestone in its partnership with Airbus, taking delivery of its 700th aircraft from the European manufacturer. The aircraft, a brand-new Airbus A350-1000 named “Deutschland,” was handed over on November 10, 2026, marking 50 years of cooperation between the two companies.

The handover ceremony was attended by Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr and Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Lars Wagner. The delivery also comes during Lufthansa's centenary year, adding significance to the milestone.

Lufthansa A359-1000. Photo: Lufthansa

Registered as D-AIFA, the new A350-1000 features a special anniversary livery and is the seventh aircraft in Lufthansa's fleet to carry the design celebrating the airline's 100th anniversary.

Lufthansa Group has ordered 15 A350-1000 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2030. The first ten will operate under the Lufthansa brand and be based at the airline's Munich hub.

The aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Munich on November 11, where it will undergo preparations ahead of its planned first commercial flight to Tokyo Haneda on December 3, 2026.

Lufthansa A359-1000. Photo: Lufthansa

The A350-1000 is part of Lufthansa Group's largest fleet modernization program to date. According to the airline, the aircraft can consume up to 30% less fuel per passenger, while offering lower operating costs compared with previous-generation aircraft.

Speaking at the handover, Spohr described the aircraft as Lufthansa's new flagship for long-haul operations, highlighting its fuel efficiency and the introduction of the airline's new Allegris premium cabin across all travel classes.

At 73.80 meters long, the A350-1000 is seven meters longer than the A350-900. Lufthansa's configuration accommodates 300 passengers across four classes.

The cabin will feature two individual First Class suites and one larger Suite Plus, alongside 49 Business Class seats, including eight suites. Premium Economy will offer 35 seats, while Economy Class will accommodate 212 passengers.

Lufthansa A359-1000. Photo: Lufthansa

Another feature debuting on the aircraft is Lufthansa Group's new Wi-Fi service powered by Starlink. The “Deutschland” will become the group's first long-haul aircraft equipped with the satellite-based connectivity system.

The service is expected to offer high-speed internet access, supporting video streaming, cloud-based work and other online activities during flights. Access will be free for Miles & More members and Travel ID users across all cabin classes.

The delivery marks another chapter in a partnership that has seen Lufthansa operate aircraft from every Airbus family over the past five decades. The airline has also served as a launch customer for several Airbus models and collaborated with the manufacturer on aircraft development and research projects.