Over recent months, you might have heard quiet hints across the aviation world: Lufthansa is preparing to introduce a completely renewed onboard experience for its long‑haul routes. While full details will follow directly from the airline, today we’re offering a first look at the journey behind the equipment development — without revealing the final designs just yet.
This is the story of how deep partnership, shared history, and true operational expertise shaped one of Lufthansa’s most comprehensive onboard transformation projects in decades.
Why this airline turned to deSter
When Lufthansa set out to reimagine the onboard experience across every travel class — from First Class to Economy, including crew workflows — it required more than a supplier. It required a partner who knew the airline at a level only years of collaboration can create. Working closely alongside gategroup and its chefs, who were actively involved throughout the development process, equipment needs were defined collaboratively to ensure every solution supported both culinary ambition and operational excellence.
For over two decades, deSter and Lufthansa have co‑developed equipment closely aligned with the airline’s brand values, service philosophy, and practical in‑cabin realities. This collaboration proved essential as Lufthansa accelerated a multi-year modernization strategy: starting with the rollout of the Allegris long-haul cabin product, focusing on a redesign of seats and cabin architecture, to now moving into a far more comprehensive soft-product transformation with FOX (Future Onboard Experience). This long-standing partnership offered a powerful starting point built on:
- intimate understanding of Lufthansa’s identity
- deep knowledge of service sequences and galley operations
- firsthand insight into crew preferences
- proven expertise in translating aviation constraints into elegant, functional design
This combination is what sets deSter apart — and what enabled us to support Lufthansa’s ambitious Future Onboard Experience (FOX).
A co‑creation approach that goes beyond traditional equipment design
The FOX project began in early 2024 with a clear aim to elevate guest experience and improve customer satisfaction across touchpoints while staying true to Lufthansa’s modern German design philosophy.
As part of this broader transformation, it is worth noting that Lufthansa’s new First Class experience was already introduced earlier and received a carefully curated update rather than a complete relaunch. The more extensive, ground‑up redesign was focused primarily on Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy — where new equipment, service concepts, and design language come together most visibly.
To achieve this, a deeply collaborative process was put in place between:
- Lufthansa’s concept and brand teams
- Cabin crew representatives
- Service design specialists
deSter’s design, engineering, and material experts
Together, the team evaluated more than 150 equipment items across four travel classes — from tableware to upgraded casseroles for enhanced plating, from crew handling tools to rPET lids, next-generation paper cutlery for Economy, redesigned disposables, and elevated amenities such as sleepwear and comfort kits.
A design-first philosophy aligned with the Lufthansa universe
While operational performance, modularity, and sustainability are essential, FOX began with a clear aesthetic ambition: to create a coherent visual and tactile language fully aligned with the Lufthansa design universe and the ambiance of the new Allegris cabin.
Within this universe, three central design elements define the tableware and service equipment:
1. Classic elements referencing Lufthansa’s design heritage
Certain bowls and forms intentionally draw from Lufthansa’s historical design lineage. These pieces anchor the experience in the airline’s long tradition, creating a sense of continuity within a modernized service environment.
2. Relief structures bridging the past and the future
A distinctive relief texture appears across selected items — adding expressiveness, enhancing grip, and creating tactile identity. Designed to remain relevant throughout the typical 10–15 year lifespan of onboard tableware, these structures embody both longevity and modernity.
3. Signature pieces that stand out intentionally
Tinted glass accents, reactive glazes, and bold shades (such as deep blues) serve as visual highlights within the service flow. These signature elements are designed to draw guests’ attention, elevate the premium feel, and distinguish new service moments across travel classes.
Usability and materials — supporting the design vision
After establishing the aesthetic foundation, every element was refined for operational performance. FOX’s system is built on:
- modularity for intuitive stowage and long-term flexibility
- smart materials, including durable ceramics, rPET lids, and next-generation paper cutlery
- special oven-safe casseroles enabling elevated plating in Business and First Class
- crew-centered handling items, optimized for workflow and ergonomics
- comfort upgrades, including redesigned amenities, lounge and sleepwear items
- a unified design language linking all items back to Lufthansa’s broader brand identity
This interplay between form and function ensures that every object is not only beautiful, but also intuitive, durable, and tailored to the realities of in-flight service.
A new chapter for Lufthansa’s onboard experience
With FOX, Lufthansa is preparing to introduce one of its most significant onboard equipment developments in recent years. While the final reveal belongs to the airline, we are excited to finally share a first, subtle glimpse into the design philosophy and the close collaboration that made it possible.
More will follow soon — and the full picture will be worth the wait.