Lufthansa is preparing to retire its Boeing 747-400 fleet, with at least two of its remaining eight aircraft expected to be parked for the winter after the summer schedule. The airline plans to completely retire the type by 2027.
The decision is largely driven by rising fuel costs and the aircraft’s age. Lufthansa’s 747-400s average around 26 years old and use significantly more fuel than newer twin-engine aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.
Lufthansa once operated dozens of 747-400s and was among the aircraft’s launch customers when it entered service in 1989. The airline temporarily planned to retire the type during the pandemic but brought several aircraft back as travel demand recovered and new aircraft deliveries were delayed.
The Boeing 747 will not disappear completely from Lufthansa’s fleet. The newer 747-8 remains in service and is expected to continue flying for years, while the 747-400 heads toward its final farewell.