German leisure airline Condor is about to reach a major milestone in its fleet modernization project. I can’t help but take a moment to recognize just how quickly the airline did this, and to contrast that to what’s going on at a certain other German airLHine.
Condor transitions from Boeing 767-300ER to Airbus A330-900neo
Historically, Condor has primarily used Boeing 767s for its long haul flights. These planes were outdated, and featured rather uncomfortable angled seats in business class. Then again, Condor is a leisure airline that used to fly mostly in markets with no competition, and the airline also offered good value.
In July 2021, Condor announced a major project to modernize its fleet. The airline placed an order for Airbus A330-900neos, which were intended to replace the entire fleet of Boeing 767-300ERs. While the airline initially ordered 16 of these jets, that order has now been upped to 21 frames.
What’s nothing short of amazing is how quickly this entire project has taken place:
- Between December 2022 and January 2024, Condor has taken delivery of 13 Airbus A330-900neos, with an additional eight on order
- Condor has progressively been retiring its Boeing 767-300ERs; the airline is now down to two of these, and as of mid-March 2024, the airline will fully retire this fleet, meaning Condor will only fly Airbus A330-900neos on long haul flights
So over the course of 15 months, the airline has gone from primarily flying Boeing 767s on long haul flights, to exclusively flying Airbus A330s. This isn’t just great in terms of fuel efficiency, but what’s equally exciting is the greatly improved product that Condor has introduced on these jets.
Condor has an excellent business class product on its new jets, with direct aisle access from every seat, plus a “premium” business class product in the first row. So from a passenger’s standpoint, this fleet modernization has been a game changer, as this isn’t just about an aircraft with better economics.
This is quite a contrast to Lufthansa
Look, I don’t want to pick on Lufthansa, because it’s just too easy. But I can’t help but point out the sharp contrast between how Condor and Lufthansa are improving their passenger experience.
Condor announced its aircraft order in mid-2021, and less than three years later, the airline has its new product across its fleet. Meanwhile Lufthansa announced its new Allegris business class product in 2017, and nearly seven years later, not a single aircraft features this product. Not one.
At this point Condor has a consistent business class product with direct aisle access from all seats, while Lufthansa has… hopes and dreams, and maybe we’ll see a plane or two with the new cabins by this summer… maybe?
Let me of course acknowledge that Condor has a much smaller fleet than Lufthansa does, so no one expects Lufthansa to overhaul its entire fleet in just over a year. However, I’d like to think that I’m not being unreasonable for expecting some progress over seven years.
Bottom line
Condor has done a commendable job updating its long haul fleet. The airline announced an order for Airbus A330-900neos in mid-2021, and less than three years later, this is the plane that the airline will exclusively operate on long haul flights.
This marks the end of an era for Condor’s Boeing 767-300ERs. Honestly, I’m going to miss those planes. I have fond memories flying Condor’s 767s from Tampa to Frankfurt when I was young, back when they still had a smoking section. Good times (well, sort of)!
What do you make of Condor’s fleet modernization?
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