Lufthansa has confirmed it will retire its entire fleet of Boeing 747-400 by the end of 2027, bringing an end to nearly four decades of service for one of aviation’s most iconic aircraft.
The airline currently operates eight Boeing 747-400s, with the first two scheduled to be withdrawn from service in October 2026. The final farewell flight is expected to take place in late 2027 on Lufthansa’s historic Frankfurt–New York JFK route, marking the end of the aircraft’s era in the airline’s fleet.
Lufthansa was among the launch customers of the 747-400 when it entered service in 1989. Known as the “Queen of the Skies,” the aircraft became one of the world’s most successful long-haul jets, capable of carrying more than 500 passengers.
The airline said the aging four-engine aircraft will be replaced by the more fuel-efficient Boeing 777-9, which offers around 20–25% lower fuel consumption per seat. Lufthansa is also the launch customer for the 777-9, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2027 after years of certification delays.
The retirement plan applies only to the 747-400 fleet. Lufthansa confirmed its eight newer Boeing 747-8 aircraft will remain in service and continue operating long-haul routes for years to come.
