Lufthansa outlines plans for A340-600, 747-400 retirement

Dhaka: German flag carrier Lufthansa is notable for simultaneously operating five of the most prominent Boeing and Airbus quadjet wide-body types, including the 747-8, 747-400, A380, A340-300, and A340-600, in scheduled passenger service.

However, speculation regarding the airline’s plans for retiring its Airbus A340-600 and Boeing 747-400 fleets has long been circulating within the aviation industry. Recently, the Frankfurt-based operator has finally outlined the retirement plans for these types.

Lufthana said its last four A340-600s will exit service in October, concluding the variant's operational history with the carrier. Meanwhile, two of its eight active Boeing 747-400s will be grounded for the winter season, with a full retirement of the type planned for the next year.

The 747-400 fleet carries an average age of 26 years, making it among the oldest aircraft in Lufthansa's long-haul operations. Currently, the airline is one of the only major global carriers to operate the type on scheduled passenger flights.

Notably, the A340-600s being retired are considerably younger than the A340-300 fleet, which averages around 26 years and is expected to remain in service until 2028. The decision appears driven more by operational efficiency than aircraft age.

Lufthansa's eight remaining Airbus A380s have been spared for now. The carrier divested six of its original 14 superjumbos during the pandemic.