Lufthansa vs Tarom

Overview

Lufthansa is Germany's largest airline and the flagship carrier of Lufthansa Group. According to Wikipedia, it traces its history to Deutsche Luft Hansa, founded on 6 January 1926, and was re-established in 1953. It is headquartered in Cologne, operates hubs at Frankfurt and Munich, and is a founding member of Star Alliance. Its frequent-flyer programme is Miles & More. The airline is still operating passenger services in 2026, its centenary year.

Network and hubs

Frankfurt and Munich are the main hubs. For summer 2026, Aviation Outlook reports that Lufthansa Group offers more than 14,000 weekly connections to 330 destinations in around 100 countries. That figure covers the whole group, not only the Lufthansa brand, and the same source describes a shift away from loss-making short-haul feeder flying towards long-haul growth. Lufthansa has also taken a stake in ITA Airways, with an option to acquire the remainder later.

Fleet

Wikipedia lists a mainline fleet of 274 aircraft and 229 destinations (retrieved September 2026; some infobox data may lag). Lufthansa Group as a whole had 737 aircraft at the end of 2025, with 219 more on order, according to Aviation Outlook. The long-haul fleet includes Airbus A350-900s, and Wikipedia also covers A340-600s, A380s and Boeing 747-8s, some of which are being refitted.

On board

• Cabins: Economy, Premium Economy, Business and, on selected aircraft, First Class.
• Premium Economy: introduced in 2014, with a seat pitch of about 38 inches, according to Wikipedia.
• Allegris: the airline's newer long-haul cabin product, which is being introduced across the long-haul fleet. Availability varies by aircraft.
• Meal, entertainment and Wi-Fi details vary by route and cabin. Check the airline's website before booking.

Good to know

• Baggage: a third-party guide (2025) says Economy and Premium Economy include one 8 kg cabin bag (55x40x23 cm). Economy Light includes no checked bag, while Economy Flex includes two 23 kg bags. Business and First include two cabin bags. Rules change, so confirm on lufthansa.com.
• Lounges: Lufthansa operates lounges at Frankfurt and Munich, including First Class lounges and a First Class Terminal in Frankfurt.
• Loyalty: Miles & More has Frequent Traveller (Star Alliance Silver), Senator and HON Circle (both Star Alliance Gold) levels, with lounge access at the higher tiers.

Global Network and Operations

Tarom, Romania's national flag carrier, operates a comprehensive network connecting over 50 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Its fleet consists of approximately 23 aircraft, primarily including Airbus A318s, A TAROM maintains strong operations out of its main hub at Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest. The airline offers scheduled flights, charter services, and cargo operations, emphasizing regional connectivity within Europe and selective long-haul routes.
• Fleet includes Airbus A318, ATR 72 turboprops.
• Serves key European capitals such as London, Paris, Rome, and Athens.
• Focus on efficient short to medium haul flights with some long-haul operations.

Innovation and Milestones

Since its founding in 1954, Tarom has marked several key milestones in Romanian aviation:
• First Romanian airline to operate jet aircraft.
• Early adopter of modern Airbus narrow-body aircraft.
• Continuous modernization of the fleet focused on fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
• Enhancement of digital services including online booking and mobile platforms.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Tarom offers Economy and Business class cabins on its aircraft. Passengers enjoy moderate seat pitch with complimentary meals on most medium-haul flights. The airline provides in-flight entertainment on select aircraft and ensures a consistent on-time performance record. While Tarom is not part of a global airline alliance, it focuses on reliable service and has received positive feedback for its customer care and safety standards.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, Tarom plans to expand its route network within Europe and enhance its fleet with more modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. The airline aims to strengthen its digital transformation efforts to improve customer experience, increase operational efficiency, and maintain competitive pricing. Sustainability initiatives are also central to Tarom’s future strategy as it navigates the evolving aviation landscape.