Lufthansa German Airlines has operated the final scheduled flight of its Airbus A340-600 aircraft (registration: D-AIHW), retiring the type from service.
The final flight was LH419 from Washington to Frankfurt. Carrying 267 passengers and 15 crew members, it arrived at Frankfurt Airport on schedule, bringing 23 years of commercial operations to a close. Many aviation enthusiasts gathered to welcome the aircraft, while prolonged applause broke out on board. Many passengers had purchased tickets specifically to take this flight, and all were presented with a commemorative booklet. The flight was captained by Francesco Sciortino, Executive Board Member and Frankfurt Hub Manager, who had flown the aircraft type for many years.
Lufthansa German Airlines took delivery of its first aircraft (registration: D-AIHB) on November 25, 2003, and named it “Bremerhaven” in 2004. At 75.30 meters long, it was the world’s longest passenger aircraft at the time. The first destinations served by the type in Lufthansa’s network were Buenos Aires and Santiago.
The aircraft was used for climate research as part of the CARIBIC project and transported Germany’s national football team to the FIFA World Cup held in Brazil. In March 2022, it became the first aircraft to return to Washington after services had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lufthansa operated a total of 24 aircraft of the type during this period, carrying more than 40 million passengers.
Sciortino said, “I will never forget my final flight on the A340-600. I am grateful that it safely carried more than 40 million customers around the world over 23 years. The A340-600 is departing, and aircraft with the latest designs are taking its place. They are quieter, more efficient and more comfortable.”
Lufthansa German Airlines is undertaking the largest fleet modernization in its history. In addition to the Airbus A340-600, it will retire its Airbus A340-300s, Airbus A330-200s and Boeing 747-400s by 2027. They will be replaced by Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777-9s. These aircraft are quieter, consume 30% less fuel and correspondingly reduce emissions.
Eighteen Boeing 787-9s are already in service, with a further 11 scheduled for delivery by 2027. By 2028, 70% of its long-haul fleet is expected to consist of next-generation aircraft.
