I don’t think this timeline will surprise anyone, but Lufthansa has revealed when it plans to retire some of its long haul aircraft. Us aviation geeks will certainly be sad to see these planes go…
In this post:
Lufthansa’s 747 & A340 retirement plans
Lufthansa is trying to simplify and streamline its long haul fleet, especially with the number of new Airbus A350s, Boeing 787, and Boeing 777Xs, that the airline has on order. Along those lines, Lufthansa has announced that it plans to retire its Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A340s by 2028:
- Lufthansa has just eight Boeing 747-400s, which are an average of over 24 years old; Lufthansa also has a fleet of 19 Boeing 747-8s, and those are sticking around, and will even get new cabins
- Lufthansa has 17 Airbus A340-300s and 10 Airbus A340-600s, which are average of 25 and 17 years old, respectively
This fleet planning announcement was part of Lufthansa’s Q2 2024 financial results, which told a familiar story in the industry — the airline had record revenue, but margins were down. So Lufthansa is now trying to streamline its operation and control costs, by flying more modern aircraft.
Frankly I wouldn’t be surprised if the 2028 timeline is moved forward a bit if there’s any sort of a material economic downturn. I’ll take it a step further — I’d be surprised if at least one of these subfleets doesn’t start to be retired before 2028.
Keep in mind that at the start of the pandemic, Lufthansa drastically reduced its 747-400 fleet, and also grounded its A340-600s, only to bring the latter back due to delays with Lufthansa’s new aircraft deliveries.
I’m sad about these upcoming retirements
It makes perfect sense for Lufthansa to retire its 747-400s and A340s in the coming years, given the operating costs of these four-engined jets. However, as an aviation geek, I am going to be very sad to see these aircraft retired.
The 747 is the queen of the skies, and the 747-400 reminds me so much of my childhood. On the plus side, Lufthansa is one of only three airlines to fly the 747-8, and the airline will be flying that jet for many years to come, well into the 2030s. So not all is lost, but there’s just something I find so charming about how “classic” the 747-400 feels on the inside.
In the case of the A340, Lufthansa is the world’s largest operator of the jet, and no other carrier’s fleet even comes close. Most of the other commercial A340s you see flying are for airlines that have sanctions in place against them, preventing them from buying new aircraft. These include airlines like Mahan Air, Conviasa, and Kam Air.
There’s just something fun about the adorably tiny engines of the A340-300 that make you wonder if you’ll get airborne before the end of the runway, plus the enormous length of the A340-600 “pencil” jet, along with the lavatories in the cargo hold.
Bottom line
Lufthansa has revealed that it plans to retire its Boeing 747-400s, Airbus A340-300s, and Airbus A340-600s, in 2028. This isn’t really a surprise, given all the new aircraft that Lufthansa has on order. As an aviation geek, these retirements are especially sad, given what cool planes the 747 and A340 are! I hope to fly these aircraft a few more times before they retire, as there won’t be many opportunities to do so on other operators…
What do you make of this Lufthansa fleet development?
Have flown both Lufthansa's A340-600 & 747-400 from Vancouver to Frankfurt over the years. Both elegant aircraft in their own way. Seeing the majestic 747 at your boarding gate makes the start of a trip something special.
I kind of agree, the 747-400 is my first Jumbo ride but following several of the Lufthansa 747-X fleet, I car less as long as it’s an JUMBO regardless of -400 or the -8. It still in shape beats the A380,
I've never been on a 340, but am nostalgic about the Queen. Still, this move saddens me not. I only fly J internationally, and only when it is the proper 1-2-1 (or better).
For comparison, when will Swiss, Edelweiss, South African, and Azal retire their A340s, and when will Air China retire their 744s?
For Swiss and Edelweiss we know the goal is to retire them in the same timeframe. Swiss should be done by mid-2025 and then it will be Edelweiss. No idea about Azal & Air China, and SAA doesn’t have the money for a replacement
.... the retiring of those planes hopefully might have a positive outcome:
.... being able to less run into trouble of getting a broken or defect seat assigned on a LH longhaul flight!? .... happened too often in recent years, mostly the 747-400. ;-(
Nothing compares to the jumbo though. Anything less is underwhelming.
Like you Ben, my heart beats a little faster for the 747. It’s the only plane I’ve ever felt affection for. I took my first flight on one in 1970 (TWA; JFK-LIS) and used UA miles this Winter, to fly in LH’s seat 1A one last time. The slightly forward-angled window is unique, the best view from any plane, literally beckoning travelers to look forward to the adventure of travel. I will miss the Queen of the skies.
Never saw the appeal of the 747. It just seems like an old, big plane. Flew a Lufthansa one some time ago, and it just felt very old, like riding in a car from the 60s. Of course, that appeals to some but compared to present day comforts and design, not for me.
That must make the A380 the King of the Skies… and that’s a much more appealing, comfortable aircraft.
You seem to have a poor taste, my friend.
I flew economy in one recently and was initially excited but once I got onboard and took my way I wished I’d booked an itinerary with a different aircraft. The interiors in these are old fashioned, cramped and really uncomfortable. I now actively avoid LH to FRA out of my local airport because I don’t want to get stuck on one of these.
Have fun missing out.
The A340 was / is an elegant airplane. I would see the LH flights arriving and departing Newark years ago. And I think I may have seen one or two at Tampa. Took forever to get off the ground but what a lovely lady !
Only reasons to fly on Lufthansa are these nostalgia flights.. wish they were better
The opportunity to fly on a Boeing 747-400 or an Airbus A340 is becoming increasingly rare
The end of an era, for sure... Although it's an era that ended years ago at every other significant carrier. The world's most sclerotic airline group has a rep to protect, I guess.
Well said.
@lucky, where does LH fly the 747-400 right now?
Frankfurt-Vancouver, and I'm not sure where else.
FRA JFK one of the two daily frequencies
Toronto to Frankfurt.
Out of NYC :
EWR-FRA
JFK-FRA
Bombay, Delhi, and /or Bangalore
Miami
retired flight attendant here....i specifically applied and was lucky enough to be hired at northwest orient airlines.....and the reason was the marvel called the boeing 747.......the greatest time of my life...loved stepping on board this engineering wonder. I am forever grateful to northwest.
I did the A340-600 IAD MUC in First fun. But seats around stairs to lower deck toilets were scary sad.
Never flew LH B747-400. But love B747-8i the newest Queen of the Skies! Seat 1K
Enchino, how was the view on Takeoff and Landing in First? . I've not flown this set up, but am leery of views.
Christian, I’m with you on timelines. These planes might fly beyond 2028 ;-)
Safe Landings!
Hope LH follows through with the longer service time. Glad all of their quadjets will have gotten to fly out full lives. Going to be sad to see them go but 25-26 years is a service life well spent
My first 747 flight was IAD to LHR on Pan Am. The year was 1978. In the mid to late 1980s I fly on several TWA 747s across the Atlantic. These 747s predate the 400.
Have flown upstairs on both the LH 400 and 800. Love them both.
In another month I will turn 70 and I still get a thrill seeing or flying on a 747.
About time. The 747-400s have the worst J seats in the LH fleet…and that’s saying a lot.
What a silly way to rate experiences. As if the other jets have anything better.
Although this is certainly sad, I must confess that I don't personally view the 747-400 and -800 as being all that different.
To me, the -800 is an absolute joy and still provides the nostalgia of flying on the -400 in my youth.
-200 in my youth - 25yo 1977 Alitalia JFK FCO 1st Queen of the skies
Sure you don't.
If you cared enough you would have compared the -400 to the -8.
@Eskimo, huh? The -400 and -800 are the variants I'm talking about. I've never stepped foot inside a 100/200/SP.
He's being a pendant, it's 747-8i not 800 even though everyone knows you meant that.
What is this 747-800 of which you speak?
@Redacted
Ignore this guy by the name of "Eskimo" all the time - the only purpose he serves is being the biggest troll of this website.
Do you think Eskimo was a DEI hire troll, because his trolling is very low tier
Do you think Eskimo was a DEI hire troll, because his trolling is very low tier
You just called someone who pointed out actual facts a troll.
Ignorant idiots who can't accept the truth is what's wrong with the world today. You only see thing the way you want and everyone else is a troll.
Interesting how the author of this site talks a lot about importance of sustainability but finds it sad one of the least efficient aircrafts still flying will be retired. Typical hypocrisy of the younger generations.
"Hypocrisy."
I do not think it means what you think it means.
Something can be sad symbolically even if you understand the reasons for the change. It’s not hypocrisy.
For many of us for 747 truly is the most spectacular plane we’ve ever had the joy of riding on. Nothing to be ashamed of.
"Something can be sad symbolically even if you understand the reasons for the change."
Yup. It's call nostalgia. Everyone has it for something(s).
I try to be upfront about my hypocrisies of my travel and climate is the biggest. But as everyone else who can, I’m phasing out of the luxury air travel around the world trips.
So even this self praise is hypocrisy since my health at 72 is driving factor
In any event and as is every aspect of life a balancing of conflicting beliefs, ideals, & actions
Safe Landings!
Abraham Simpson complaining as usual...time to propose him eutanasia holidays in Vermont
Yeah, that's not hypocrisy. You can be sad a plane is being retired fully knowing its not very sustainable. Typical boomer energy.
Seat + separate bed on upper deck in F on 747-400 was something special.
Truth! Best sleep I’ve ever had on a plane.
Lufthansa changes it's mind quite a bit, so who knows when these planes will be officially retired.
So Lucky does this mean you will be doing one last flight on each plane just for old times sake?
The 748 is a stretch version of the 744. So you still have the 748, which gives you a 4 engine plane that can land more places than an A380. I think airlines should have bought the 748 for use in areas where there would be issue landing in an emergency.
I'll believe it when I see it. We all know LH says a lot and then the reality is very different. I actually agree with Ben that I will miss the 747-400 but I think this is all smoke and mirrors at LH since they are having issues getting planes but also under pressure to upgrade their fleet and product.
I know it's a weird thing to enjoy, but the downstairs bathroom on the 340 was really wonderful. Standing around the bathroom door on normal planes is such an annoyance, you're always in someone's way and it's a pain for everyone, but being able to go downstairs and just be out of the way and not be part of the hustle and bustle was a nice respite.
The loss of the A340’s are sad for those in long haul economy, as they have more seat width than the high density economy seats on the 777 and 787 replacements. The cargo hold lavs were also a cool experience flying back and forth on Lufthansa, which will be missed.
Agree. When younger and flying economy, my preferred airplane was 340-600. Toilets were one of the perks as well.
About time!
Airlines should retire airplanes every 7 years.
Sad