Lufthansa's Bold Move: Retiring A340 and Boeing 747, Expanding A350 Fleet

Lufthansa Takes Steps to Adjust Its Fleet

Lufthansa, Germany's largest airline, has revealed a series of measures to adjust its fleet and transportation capacity in response to current challenges. These changes come as a result of rising oil prices and significant internal labor issues, putting Lufthansa in a tough spot.

One of the most surprising decisions is the abrupt cessation of operations for Lufthansa CityLine, which has shocked many. This is just one of several major changes we are witnessing from the airline.

Plans to Retire A340 and Boeing 747

By the end of the summer flight schedule, Lufthansa will reduce long-haul capacity by retiring six aircraft. Specifically, the last four Airbus A340-600s will be retired in October 2026, marking the end of this aircraft type in the airline's fleet. Although the A340-600 features a first-class cabin, it was already planned for retirement by 2027, so this news isn’t entirely unexpected.

Additionally, two Boeing 747-400s will also cease operations in October 2026, with a farewell event expected in 2027. Currently, Lufthansa operates eight Boeing 747-400s, while the 747-8 series will continue to fly for the coming years.

Lufthansa's decision to retire these aircraft after summer likely reflects the ongoing high demand for summer travel. However, I wonder if the 747-400s might return to service after their retirement or if they will simply remain grounded until their final retirement in 2027.

Expanding the A350 Fleet for Discover Airlines

In another exciting development, Lufthansa announced that it will add nine Airbus A350s to Discover Airlines, one of its low-cost, long-haul subsidiaries. Previously, Discover Airlines primarily operated A330s, but it has recently announced plans to take delivery of four A350-900s by 2027.

The A350s being transferred to Discover may be those currently operated by Lufthansa from Philippine Airlines, known for their unique interiors. This indicates that Lufthansa is planning to introduce more new aircraft to support Discover Airlines and enhance its competitiveness in the budget travel segment.

It remains unclear whether these nine A350s will be used aircraft from Lufthansa or new deliveries. It’s possible they will be older planes with previously used cabins and interiors.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

For Vietnamese travelers planning to fly with Lufthansa or explore Europe, it’s crucial to stay informed about the airline's fleet and operations. Currently, travelers from Vietnam to Europe can easily find tickets from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN) ranging from approximately 15 million to 25 million VND, depending on the timing and service provider.

Additionally, Vietnamese travelers should pay attention to visa requirements when entering Germany, which typically necessitate a Schengen visa for connecting flights or direct entries into Germany. Visa application costs range from 1 million to 2 million VND, but processing times can take several weeks, so it’s best to prepare in advance.

Assessing the Current Situation

In summary, Lufthansa is taking necessary steps to address current challenges, including rising oil prices and personnel issues. Notably, the cessation of Lufthansa CityLine and decisions regarding the A340 and Boeing 747 are significant. Furthermore, the addition of A350s for Discover Airlines indicates that Lufthansa is moving in the right direction to enhance operations and reliability.

However, this is also a time to watch closely, as these decisions may impact employee job security and the airline's long-term development. As a major airline, Lufthansa bears responsibility not only to its passengers but also to its employees.

This article is based on and edited from: One Mile at a Time