Lufthansa is expecting its first five Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental deliveries to arrive later this year.
Germany's flag carrier had been scheduled to receive two of the fourth-generation Boeing 747 aircraft at the end of last year, but production delays resulted in deliveries being shunted forward to coincide with another three deliveries penned for 2012.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa has phased out two of its 747-400s this year, according to a source close to the airline, who adds that one more aircraft of the type could be phased out this year.It would be sold either to another airline or to be parted-out, depending on the value of the deal.
Lufthansa has 28 747-400s in its current portfolio of 289 aircraft.
The airline had been due to receive two Airbus A380s last year, but these deliveries were also brought forward to this year and will arrive within the next three monhts, the source notes.
A further two A380s are expected later in the year, bringing Lufthansa's total A380 fleet to 12 aircraft.
In terms of financing, Lufthansa tends to fund its aircraft purchases in cash from its balance sheet and factor in any additional leveraging at a later date.
Source: Commercial Aviation Online
