Lufthansa is gearing up for a significant new order of long-haul aircraft, pitting the Airbus A350-1000 against the Boeing 777-9 in a competition that will shape the airline's intercontinental strategy for decades. According to reports from AeroTelegraph and Aviation Week, citing Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, a decision could come as early as next year. "We are preparing a new acquisition campaign for long-haul aircraft," Spohr stated during an internal event, without specifying the order size. Historically, Lufthansa's long-haul fleet strategy rested on three pillars: the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 787-9, and the Boeing 777-9, the flagship of the 777X program. The larger A350-1000 was not initially considered. However, repeated delays in the 777-9 program have reshuffled the deck. Originally expected much earlier, the 777-9 is now not slated for delivery to Lufthansa until the first quarter of 2027, with commercial service entry pushed to summer 2027 at the earliest. Facing these uncertainties, Lufthansa has opened the door to a European alternative. It ordered ten A350-1000s in 2023 and increased that to fifteen in 2024. Spohr recently noted that the first A350-1000 could be delivered as early as October 2026, earlier than anticipated, boosting the aircraft's attractiveness over the 777X. While awaiting these deliveries, Lufthansa must manage a tricky transition period. The airline plans to extend the operation of some older Airbus A340-300s to maintain its long-haul capacity. These less efficient quad-jets highlight the tension between fleet renewal and industrial constraints amid delivery delays and supply chain pressures. Beyond the long-haul fleet, Lufthansa is pursuing a broader operational transformation, including the retirement of 15 additional aircraft in 2027, cutting unprofitable European routes, and simplifying its short- and medium-haul network. This strategy aims to improve profitability in an environment of rising costs, low-cost competition, and increasing regulatory pressures in Europe. Lufthansa has already secured future capacity. In May 2026, the group confirmed an order for ten A350-900s and ten Boeing 787-9s, to be delivered between 2032 and 2034, supporting gradual fleet renewal. On the cargo side, Lufthansa is investing in the Boeing 777-8F for Lufthansa Cargo, without yet committing to the Airbus A350F. The upcoming order holds major strategic importance for both manufacturers. It will determine whether Airbus consolidates its recent gains with the German carrier or whether Boeing secures a historic customer for its 777X program, which remains weakened by delays.