Lufthansa, launch customer for the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, initiated commercial service of the new Jumbo jet along the inaugural route of Frankfurt (FRA) to Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD). Lufthansa’s newest flagship aircraft (D-ABYA) will provide service between the two cities initially six days a week (excluding Tuesdays), and will increase capacity on this route by 6.3 percent. Flights are available for booking on www.lufthansa.com.
“The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is an exceptional aircraft,” said Christoph Franz, Chairman and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “With its addition to our fleet, Lufthansa has created a product that is not only in line with our company’s commitment to innovation, technology and efficiency, but that also offers qualities and features that are sure to maximize our passengers’ in-flight experience. Travelers to and from Washington, D.C. are in for a memorable flight and Lufthansa looks forward to expanding our 747-8 Intercontinental service to other U.S. markets in the coming months.”
“It is such an honor to join Lufthansa in welcoming the 747-8 Intercontinental into service,” said Elizabeth Lund, Boeing vice president and general manager, 747 Program. “Lufthansa has provided great inspiration and leadership in helping us design a new Queen of the Skies for the 21st Century, an airplane that Lufthansa will love for its efficiency and reliability, airport neighbors will love for its quiet operations and low emissions, and passengers will love for its beautiful new interior and extra space.”
Photos
Arrival at Washington, D.C. Dulles International Airport (IAD) (c) JBoulin94 John Boulin via Flickr
Arrival at Washington, D.C. Dulles International Airport (IAD) (c) JBoulin94 John Boulin via Flickr
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental (D-ABYA) (c) JBoulin94 John Boulin via Flickr
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental (D-ABYA) water cannon salute (c) JBoulin94 John Boulin via Flickr
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental (D-ABYA) at Washington Dulles International gate B47 after landing as LH416 from Frankfurt (c) By racingwinds Taylor Michie via Flickr
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental (D-ABYA) at Washington Dulles International gate B47 (c) By skyhoser via Flickr
Lufthansa’s 747-8 Intercontinental is equipped with 362 seats in a three-class configuration (8 First Class, 92 Business Class and 262 Economy Class). Passengers flying on the 747-8 Intercontinental will experience Lufthansa’s new Business Class which offers a unique seating arrangement in the form of a “V” whereby two neighboring seats are angled towards one another along a central axis. This innovative solution enables Lufthansa to fulfill one of the main wishes expressed by customers during an extensive research process – to sit or lie facing the direction of travel, while at the same time enjoy virtually double the distance between two neighboring seats at shoulder level, which now gives Business Class passengers greater privacy and more personal living space. At the push of a button, the seat converts to a full-flat, horizontal sleeping surface measuring 6’6″ in length (1.98 m). Ergonomically improved cushioning ensures a high degree of comfort in a sitting or horizontal position, and adjustable armrests provide more space in the shoulder area when lying down.
Lufthansa’s commitment to the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is a testament to the airline’s 50-plus year partnership with the U.S.-based manufacturer. Lufthansa currently has 20 Boeing 747-8 Intercontinentals on order and is expected to take delivery of five in total this year. The airline will roll-out service to gateways throughout the U.S. and India.