German carrier Lufthansa is considering refusing delivery of some of its first Boeing 777-9 aircraft under Boeing’s long-delayed 777X programme. CEO Carsten Spohr said discussions with Boeing were continuing over the condition and configuration of the initial aircraft.
Spohr said the earliest-built 777-9s may not fully meet Lufthansa’s current cabin standards and operational requirements, raising the possibility that some aircraft could be rejected. The two companies are continuing negotiations over which airframes will ultimately be delivered.
Initial deliveries of the Boeing 777-9 are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Due to the delays, Lufthansa plans to keep its existing Airbus A340-300 fleet in service for longer.
Any decision by Lufthansa to reject early aircraft would represent another significant challenge for Boeing’s 777X programme.
