**Lufthansa’s Dreamliner Dilemma: The Hurdles of the Allegris Cabin Model**
Lufthansa’s rollout of the innovative Allegris cabin model has encountered numerous hurdles, especially concerning the Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline has faced considerable obstacles related to the certification of its business class seats, adversely affecting its operations and income.
**Certification Challenges with the 787 Business Class**
In 2024, Lufthansa unveiled the Allegris model, incorporating direct aisle access for business class passengers. While the Airbus A350-900 experienced initial setbacks, including supply chain complications and first-class delays, the circumstances surrounding the Boeing 787s have proven to be even more complicated. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to approve most of the business class seating on these planes. Although these seats are akin to those on the A350, they necessitate individual certification owing to being manufactured by different companies. Thus far, only one type of seat has received certification.
**Operational Repercussions and Future Aspirations**
Lufthansa has been compelled to block the majority of the business class seats on the 787s, allowing the sale of just four per flight. As a consequence, this has led to distinct flights with nearly vacant business class sections. The airline’s goal is to secure certification for all seats by May 2026, although this schedule is still uncertain. CEO Carsten Spohr links the delays to budget cuts during the pandemic, which hindered investment in certification processes.
**Conclusion**
The rollout of the Allegris model has proven difficult, with notable operational and financial ramifications. Lufthansa’s situation underlines the intricacies involved in launching new cabin models, particularly when multiple manufacturers and regulatory challenges are at play. The airline remains hopeful about overcoming these challenges, yet the timeline for complete certification is still ambiguous.