Lufthansa says goodbye to its Airbus A340-600 fleet

It marks the end of an era for Lufthansa, as the airline has retired the Airbus A340-600 after 23 years of commercial operations. The final flight, LH419 from Washington, D.C., landed at Frankfurt Airport on schedule.

After a flight lasting eight hours and five minutes, the aircraft, registered as D-AIHW, arrived with 267 passengers and 15 crew members on board. Numerous plane spotters and influencers had gathered at the airport to witness the occasion, while passengers on board gave the aircraft a prolonged round of applause. Many had specifically booked tickets to be part of the historic flight. All passengers also received a specially produced farewell booklet as a commemorative gift.

Francesco Sciortino, Lufthansa Airlines Board Member and Hub Manager Frankfurt, captained the final flight. He has also flown the A340-600 for many years.

“We will never forget this last flight with the A340-600,” said Francesco Sciortino. “I am grateful that this aircraft has safely carried more than 40 million guests across the globe in 23 years. At the same time, we are looking forward to the largest fleet modernisation in the company’s history. The A340-600 is leaving, and in its place come aircraft of the latest design: quieter, more efficient and more comfortable. We expect the Airbus A350-1000 and further Boeing 787s very soon, and the Boeing 777-9 next year. We are investing in our premium offering for our guests. We are renewing not only the aircraft but also the products and services on the ground and in the air, for an even more premium experience at Lufthansa.”

Lufthansa took delivery of its first Airbus A340-600, registered as D-AIHB, on 25 November 2003. The aircraft was named ‘Bremerhaven’ in 2004. Measuring 75.30 metres in length, the A340-600 was the world’s longest passenger aircraft at the time. Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile were among its first destinations in Lufthansa’s network.

Over the following two decades, the A340-600 played a significant role in Lufthansa’s history. The aircraft supported climate research through the CARIBIC project and transported the German national football team during its successful FIFA World Cup campaign in Brazil. In March 2022, it also became the first aircraft to return to Washington, D.C., following the pandemic-related grounding.

Lufthansa operated a total of 24 Airbus A340-600 aircraft during this period.

The retirement of the A340-600 is part of the largest fleet modernisation programme in Lufthansa’s history.

Alongside the A340-600, the airline plans to retire the Airbus A340-300, the Airbus A330-200, and the Boeing 747-400 by 2027. These aircraft will be replaced by newer models, including the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-9. According to the manufacturers, the new aircraft are quieter, consume 30% less kerosene and produce correspondingly lower emissions.

Lufthansa already has 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft in service, with a further 11 scheduled for delivery by 2027.

By 2028, next-generation aircraft are expected to account for 70% of Lufthansa’s long-haul fleet, improving operational efficiency and passenger comfort. Fewer aircraft types will also reduce complexity in maintenance, planning and training, providing a more cost-effective foundation for the airline’s future operations.