Lufthansa has confirmed plans to retire its entire fleet of Boeing 747-400 aircraft by the end of 2027, bringing nearly four decades of service by the iconic jumbo jet to a close. The move is part of the airline’s accelerated fleet modernization strategy aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operating costs.
Under the retirement plan, the first two Boeing 747-400s will be withdrawn from service in October 2026, while the final farewell flight is expected to take place in late 2027 on the airline’s historic Frankfurt–New York JFK route. Lufthansa currently operates eight Boeing 747-400s, all of which will leave the fleet by next year.
Lufthansa was among the launch customers of the Boeing 747-400 when the aircraft entered service in 1989. Known as the “Queen of the Skies,” the aircraft became one of the most successful long-haul airliners in aviation history. However, with an average fleet age of around 26 years, the aircraft consume significantly more fuel compared to modern twin-engine widebody jets.
The retiring Boeing 747-400s will be replaced by the new Boeing 777-9. Lufthansa is also the launch customer for the 777-9 and expects deliveries to begin in 2027 following years of development delays. The aircraft will offer improved passenger comfort and approximately 20–25 percent better fuel efficiency per seat than the 747-400.
Lufthansa’s fleet of eight Boeing 747-8 aircraft, the newest version of the jumbo jet family, will remain in service and continue operating long-haul routes for years to come. Once the airline retires its 747-400 fleet, only a small number of carriers worldwide will continue flying the aircraft in scheduled passenger operations, marking another chapter in the gradual farewell of one of aviation’s most iconic aircraft.