Discover Airlines is preparing to introduce the Airbus A350-900 and has announced the first destinations planned for the new long-haul aircraft. According to the current schedule, the first aircraft is expected to join the fleet in June 2027. Calgary in Canada or Orlando in the United States could become its first destinations from Frankfurt.
Calgary or Orlando to Be the First Destinations
Before entering regular long-haul service, Discover Airlines initially plans to operate the A350 on a short-haul route for training purposes. The airline has not yet disclosed which destination will be used for these flights.
The aircraft will subsequently be deployed on an established long-haul route operated several times a week. Discover Airlines currently serves both Calgary and Orlando with up to daily flights. According to the airline, both routes are suitable for introducing the new aircraft type. They allow for stable operations while keeping additional operational complexity to a minimum. At the same time, passengers are expected to benefit from a consistent travel experience.
The airline has not yet confirmed which of the two routes will receive the A350 first.
San José and Belize City from December 2027
The second Airbus A350-900 is expected to expand the airline’s route network from December 2027. On 14 December 2027, Discover Airlines will take over the Frankfurt–San José route in Costa Rica from Lufthansa. Weekly frequencies will increase from five to six flights.
Two of the six weekly rotations will operate as triangular routes. Aircraft will fly from Frankfurt to San José, continue to Belize City and then return to Frankfurt. Belize City will therefore become a new destination in Discover Airlines’ network.
The flights are already listed under Discover Airlines in the booking system from mid-December 2027. Until the transition date, Lufthansa will continue to operate the route. According to the airline, passengers with existing bookings will not need to take any action, as the change will be implemented automatically. The airline also plans to identify the A350 services in its booking system over the coming months.
Long-Haul Fleet to Grow to 20 Aircraft
Discover Airlines currently operates 15 Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Another aircraft of this type is expected to join the fleet in early 2027. Following the recent retirement of its last Airbus A330-200, the airline aims to gradually standardise its fleet.
The third and fourth A350s are scheduled to arrive in summer 2028. By mid-2028, the long-haul fleet is expected to grow to a total of 20 aircraft. A further nine Airbus A350-900s are planned for delivery in subsequent years and will gradually replace the A330-300 fleet.
The A350-900’s extended range will enable Discover Airlines to explore additional destinations in Southeast Asia, southern Africa, and South and Central America.At the same time, the airline is introducing its new long-haul product, called “Ocean Blue”.
The existing Airbus A330-300 aircraft are expected to be gradually retrofitted with the new product, with conversions planned on a monthly basis.
