Boeing's Aging 777X Fleet Sparks Rejection from Major Customers
Lufthansa has become the second major Boeing 777X customer to reject some of its oldest 777-9s. During Lufthansa's Q2 earnings call, CEO Carsten Spohr confirmed that discussions are underway with Boeing over which early-production aircraft will be refused and which can still be accepted after being modernized.
The airline has not disclosed how many aircraft fall into each category, but Spohr stated that they are in talks with Boeing to determine which airplanes will not be accepted for commercial service and which can be brought up to the latest standard at a cost borne by Boeing.
Lufthansa remains committed to the 777X program, with 20 firm orders and 24 options. However, it has little incentive to accept older aircraft when newer ones are available that meet the final production standard.