Lufthansa Group to retrofit 134 Airbus A320s with with digital communications

Lufthansa Group will begin retrofitting its existing Airbus A320 fleet with FANS-C digital communication systems to optimize flight routes starting in 2026.

The upgrade will cover 134 A320s with ADS-C EPP technology, which transmits real-time, four-dimensional flight trajectory data to air traffic control.

The technology is already in regular use within Maastricht Upper Area Control (MUAC) airspace, the first in Europe to meet all operational requirements for this system.

“We are focusing on digitalization to make flying even more efficient. The retrofitting of our Airbus A320 fleet is a strong sign of innovation and responsibility. We are delighted that the EU is taking this step together with us. Only if all partners in the industry make their systems fit for the future in time will Europe soon be able to benefit from a better-connected and thus more sustainable airspace,” said Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer of the Lufthansa Group.

Starting in 2028, all newly delivered Airbus A320 family aircraft and EU air traffic control ground systems are scheduled to be equipped with the new technology at the factory. By this time, nearly 200 A320 family aircraft in Lufthansa Group service will have been retrofitted or delivered with the new systems.

The European Commission is supporting these upgrades with up to 50% funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program. Lufthansa Group currently operates 198 A320s, 91 A319s, and 74 first-generation A321s.

About the Author

Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

Articles by the author »