Lufthansa (LH, Frankfurt International) is currently exploring options to more effectively compete with Middle East competitors Emirates (EK, Dubai International), Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) and Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad International) on routes between Europe and lower yield destinations in the Asia-Pacific region such as Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Kuala Lumpur International or secondary destinations in India. According to Chief Financial Officer Simone Menne Lufthansa is thinking of either partnering with another airline for the routes or setting up its own long-haul low-cost carrier. In other news, Menne has announced that Lufthansa would likely place an order for either A350 or B787 aircraft in September to replace its aging A340-300 and A340-600 fleets. Meanwhile, Lufthansa’s Chief Executive Officer Christoph Franz has told Süddeutsche Zeitung that the carrier would still plan to exercise its option to acquire the remaining 55% in Brussels Airlines (SN, Brussels National) it does not yet own once the Belgian carrier has successfully completed its turnaround plan.