Summary

  • Lufthansa focuses on high ASM routes like FRA-LAX, FRA-SFO & FRA-MIA with significant capacity & demand.
  • Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 competes with major US carriers on routes like EWR-FRA and provides luxury services to appeal to travelers.
  • Lufthansa’s economic strength & strategic US routes help it to maintain a leadership position in transatlantic travel.

Lufthansa, one of the world’s leading airlines, operates an extensive network of flights between Europe and the United States. The Boeing 747-8, known for its advanced technology and capacity, is a key player in Lufthansa’s transatlantic operations. Let’s explore Lufthansa’s US-bound 747-8 routes for June 2024, focusing on which routes offer the most available seat miles (ASMs) and the competitive landscape these routes operate within.

Understanding available seat miles (ASMs)

Available seat miles (ASMs) are an informative metric in the airline industry, representing the total number of seat miles available for sale on a flight. This metric helps airlines measure capacity and efficiency across different routes. For aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals, ASMs provide insights into an airline’s operational strategy and market presence as well.

A Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 flying in the sky. Lufthansa’s US-bound Boeing 747-8 routes

Major routes and ASMs

Based on data for June 2024 provided by Cirium, an aviation analytics company, here are Lufthansa’s key Boeing 747-8 routes to the US and their corresponding ASMs:

Route (Origination – Destination)

Miles

Ops

Seats

Seats/Dep

ASMs

EWR – FRA

3,870

30

10,920

364.0

42,260,400

FRA – EWR

3,870

30

10,920

364.0

42,260,400

FRA- IAH

5,232

30

10,920

364.0

57,133,440

FRA – LAX

5,806

30

10,920

364.0

63,401,520

FRA – MIA

4,833

30

10,920

364.0

52,776,360

FRA – SFO

5,699

30

10,920

364.0

62,233,080

IAH – FRA

5,232

30

10,920

364.0

57,133,440

LAX- FRA

5,806

30

10,920

364.0

63,401,520

MIA – FRA

4,833

30

10,920

364.0

52,776,360

SFO – FRA

5,699

30

10,920

364.0

62,233,080

FRA – ORD

4,344

19

6,926

364.0

30,043,104

ORD – FRA

4,344

19

6,926

364.0

30,043,104

Top routes by ASMs

The routes with the highest ASMs indicate significant capacity and demand. The top three routes by ASMs are:

  1. Frankfurt (FRA) to Los Angeles (LAX) and Los Angeles (LAX to Frankfurt (FRA): each with 63,401,520 ASMs (round-trip total = 126,803,040 ASMs).
  2. Frankfurt (FRA) to San Francisco (SFO) and San Francisco (SFO) to Frankfurt (FRA): each with 62,233,080 ASMs (round-trip total = 124,466,160 ASMs).
  3. Frankfurt (FRA) to Miami (MIA) and Miami (MIA) to Frankfurt (FRA): each with 52,776,360 ASMs (round-trip total = 105,552,720 ASMs).
Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Taxiing In Frankfurt

Photo: Minh K Tran | Shutterstock

These routes demonstrate Lufthansa’s strategic focus on connecting key US cities with its hub in Frankfurt, leveraging the 747-8’s capacity to meet both passenger and cargo demand.

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Competitive landscape

Lufthansa’s US routes with the Boeing 747-8 face competition from several major carriers. Here’s a look at some formidable competitors:

Newark (EWR) to Frankfurt (FRA)

  • Competitor: United Airlines
  • Aircraft: United operates Boeing 787s
  • Market Position: Lufthansa’s 747-8 fleet offers a larger capacity and premium services aimed at appealing to business travelers and high-value cargo shipments.

Houston (IAH) to Frankfurt (FRA)

  • Competitor: United Airlines
  • Aircraft: United operates Boeing 777s
  • Market Position: Lufthansa’s use of the 747-8 provides greater seating capacity and luxury features, maintaining a competitive advantage on this transatlantic route.

San Francisco (SFO) to Frankfurt (FRA)

  • Competitor: United Airlines,
  • Aircraft: United operates Boeing 777s.
  • Market Position: Lufthansa’s 747-8 fleet offers a blend of modern technology and classic design, competing on this route by appealing to aviation enthusiasts and frequent flyers.

Related

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Lufthansa’s fleet and services

Boeing 747-8 features

The Boeing 747-8, also known as the ‘Queen of the Skies,’ is celebrated for its range, capacity, and passenger comfort. According to Lufthansa, notable features include:

  • Advanced aerodynamics: The 747-8 features raked wingtips and new-generation engines contributing to its fuel efficiency and extended range (making it ideal for long-haul flights such as those to the US).
  • Spacious cabins: Enhanced passenger comfort with wider seats and more legroom.
  • Modern amenities: State-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and connectivity options.

In-flight experience

Lufthansa provides a superior in-flight experience across all classes:

  • Economy class: Comfortable seating, complimentary meals and beverages, and inflight entertainment.
  • Premium economy: More legroom, upgraded meals, additional baggage allowance.
  • Business class: Lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, priority boarding.
  • First class: Private suites, exclusive lounges, personalized service.

Utilize miles for upgrades: Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program, Miles & More, offers opportunities to upgrade to business or first class using accumulated miles, providing a more luxurious travel experience without the added expense.

Strategic and economic importance

Economic contributions

Lufthansa’s transatlantic operations significantly contribute to both the US and European economies through tourism, business travel, and cargo services. The 747-8’s capacity allows for increased passenger numbers and freight volume, boosting economic activity at both ends.

Strategic importance

The 747-8 routes to the US are critical for Lufthansa’s global strategy, ensuring strong connectivity between key markets. The airline’s ability to offer frequent flights with high-capacity aircraft positions it as a leader in transatlantic travel.

Related

Throwback: When The Boeing 747-8I Entered Service With Lufthansa

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Staying ahead in transatlantic travel

Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 routes to the US are integral to its operations. They provide high capacity and advanced features that cater to the needs of both passengers and cargo customers. With a focus on key US destinations and competitive services, Lufthansa continues to set a high-bar standard in transatlantic aviation.

How did your travel experience with Lufthansa to or from the United States stack up against other carriers? Let us know in the comments below!


  • Tom Boon-169

    Lufthansa

    Region:
    Europe

    Loyalty Program:
    Miles & More

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