Lufthansa Group has announced a new retrofit programme covering 134 Airbus A320 aircraft to automate and optimise flight routes.
Starting in 2026, the A320s will be equipped with the FANS-C digital communication system.
The solution uses ADS-C EPP (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract Extended Projected Profile) technology to automatically transmit 4D flight path information to air traffic control in real time.
The combined data — covering position, altitude, direction, and time – will allow flight routes to optimised to conditions in real time, resulting in more fuel-efficient and punctual flight routes.
The new technology is already in use in Maastricht airspace (MUAC), which is the first airspace in Europe to meet all the necessary requirements for its deployment.
Lufthansa Group said it is working with other air traffic control authorities to ensure that it can be implemented “as quickly as possible” in other European airspaces. Flight trials are currently being conducted, for example, with French air traffic control.
From 2028, the new technology must be installed ex-factory in all newly delivered aircraft and air traffic control ground systems in the EU.
With the retrofitting of its existing A320 aircraft, Lufthansa Group said it is “exceeding legal requirements” and “leading the way” in the introduction of innovative new technologies.
Nearly 200 retrofitted and upgraded aircraft of the A320 family will be in service for the Lufthansa Group in 2028.
"We are focusing on digitalisation to make flying even more efficient,” said Grazia Vittadini, chief technology officer of Lufthansa Group.
“The retrofitting of our Airbus A320 fleet is a strong sign of innovation and responsibility, and 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 will Europe be able to benefit from a better-connected and thus more sustainable airspace.”