Lufthansa to sell two Boeing 747-8s to U.S. Government, extends Airbus A340-600 operations

Lufthansa plans to sell two of its Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft in 2026, despite the type’s long-term role in the airline’s fleet. The decision follows an opportunity to secure an unexpectedly high resale price, according to an internal memo from Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter.

The aircraft concerned are registrations D-ABYD and D-ABYG, delivered in 2012 and 2013. The first is scheduled to leave the fleet in January 2026, with the second following in the third quarter of 2026. While Lufthansa has not officially disclosed the buyer, industry sources indicate that the aircraft will be sold to the U.S. government, most likely for U.S. Air Force use.

The passenger-configured Boeing 747-8 has long attracted Pentagon interest. The type is already central to several U.S. Air Force programmes, including the much-delayed VC-25B Air Force One replacement and the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) programme, which aims to replace the E-4B fleet. The U.S. government has also recently accepted a 747-8i previously operated by Qatar Amiri Flight, though its ultimate role remains unclear.

Lufthansa’s decision comes alongside a broader reshaping of its long-haul fleet. The airline is already in the process of retiring its remaining Boeing 747-400s, with all eight aircraft due to leave the fleet by 2027. By contrast, the 747-8 remains a cornerstone of Lufthansa’s widebody operations, with 17 aircraft staying in service after the sale.

In parallel, Lufthansa has decided to extend the service life of its Airbus A340-600 fleet. Originally scheduled for full retirement in January 2026, the type will now remain in operation longer. The airline currently operates five A340-600s, which are already planned for use on selected long-haul routes, including Washington, during the summer 2026 schedule.