Lufthansa is developing new 747 first class suites

Think of it as a jumbo-sized upgrade: Lufthansa is developing all-new first class suites for its Boeing 747-8 fleet, which will be based on the same principles as its forthcoming A350 Allegris first class suites but customised for the sharply-curved nose of the jumbo jet.

The German airline confirms its Lufthansa Technik division has taken charge of “the development of a new first class for Lufthansa Airlines Boeing 747-8 fleet.”

While the rest of Lufthansa’s Allegris family – including business class, premium economy and economy – will make their way across the Airbus A350 and A380, Boeing 747 and 787 jets, the unique geometry of the jumbo’s first class cabin isn’t a match for the private first class suites which will debut on the A350.

Will Lufthansa's 747-8's have room for the Allegris first class double bed?

So the 748-8 is getting new made-to-measure first suites, although these will still carry the Allegris marketing name and DNA.

Speaking with Executive Traveller on the sidelines of the Allegris launch in Berlin earlier this year, Lufthansa’s Heads of Customer Experience Kai Peters stressed “there will be Allegris first class on the 747-8.”

“But it will be optimised because of the different shape” of the jumbo jet’s first class cabin, which sits at the very front of the main deck.

Lufthansa's current 747 first class (left) and business class (right).

“It won’t be the exact same product” as the Allegris first class which will launch in 2024 on Munich-based A350s, Peters says. “It will be a different type of Allegris First.”

Lufthansa currently flies 19 of the stretched 747-8I or Intercontinental version of the jumbo, and was in fact the 747-8’s launch customer in 2012.

Lufthansa's new 747 first class (left) and business class (right).

The Allegris first class seat converts to a wide fully-flat bed, although during the rest of the flight passengers face an ottoman which can also serve as a companion seat, while the A350s contain a unique double-berth suite flanked by two conventional solo suites.

Each Allegris first class suite is framed by 1.8m-high walls and includes a personal wardrobe so that travellers can change into and out of their pyjamas, with space under the ottoman for stowing a standard-size cabin bag.

Also read: Up close with Lufthansa’s new Allegris first class and Allegris business class