Lufthansa Group to Retire Older Widebody Aircraft Types by 2028

Lufthansa Group has unveiled a sweeping fleet modernization strategy that will see six widebody aircraft types retired by 2028 as part of its long-term plan to streamline operations, cut costs, and advance sustainability goals.

Executives outlined the plan during the airline group’s Capital Markets Day, emphasizing that simplifying the fleet mix will reduce maintenance complexity, crewing requirements, and reserve costs. The types scheduled for phase-out are the Airbus A340-600, A340-300, A330-200, Boeing 767-300, 747-400, and 777-200ER.

The retirement timeline is staggered. The A330-200, A340-600, and 767-300ER are expected to leave the fleet by 2026, while the 747-400 and A340-300 will be phased out by 2027. The remaining aircraft will exit by the end of 2028. Lufthansa noted that the accelerated exit of these older jets reflects both efficiency and environmental priorities.

Lufthansa Group’s Current Fleet by Airline

Lufthansa Group currently has 13 different passenger aircraft types, and operates a mix of Airbus and Boeing jets as of August 2025:

Austrian Airlines: A portion of its fleet includes Boeing 767-300ER to be retired by 31 December 2025, 777-200ER both to be replaced by Boeing 787-9 by 2028.
Brussels Airlines: Airbus A330-300 to be transferred from Lufthansa.
Discover Airlines: Specializes in leisure travel with a fleet of Airbus A330-200 to be retired by 2026 and A330-300.
Edelweiss Air: Airbus A340-300 to be retired and replaced by Airbus A350-900, A350-900.
Lufthansa: A330-300 all to be gradually transferred to Discover Airlines by 2027, A340-300 to be retired by 2028, A340-600 to be retired by November 2025 and replaced by Airbus A350-1000, A350-900, A380 6 of formerly 14 A380s have been sold back to Airbus, Boeing 747-400 to be retired by 2028 and replaced by Boeing 777-9, 747-8, 787-9.
Lufthansa Cargo: Operates the Boeing 777-200LRF, a dedicated freighter for global cargo transport.
Swiss International: Operates a fleet of Airbus A330-300, A340-300 to be retired and replaced by Airbus A350-900 in mid 2025, A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER.

Next-Generation Aircraft Deliveries

To replace its aging fleet, Lufthansa Group is making a multibillion-euro investment in next-generation long-haul aircraft. By 2030, the Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000, Boeing 787-9, and Boeing 777-9 will serve as the backbone of its intercontinental operations. These aircraft are designed to deliver significant improvements in fuel efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and streamlined operations compared to the older types they will replace.

The shift is more than just a fleet refresh—it is a strategic imperative. Modern widebodies are expected to cut fuel burn by 25% to 35%, which not only supports Lufthansa’s sustainability goals but also translates into substantial cost savings. Analysts estimate that efficiency gains of this scale could save the airline hundreds of millions of euros annually, while also lowering maintenance complexity and improving overall reliability. By standardizing its fleet around fewer, more efficient models, Lufthansa can optimize training, reduce spare-parts inventories, and simplify scheduling—delivering long-term advantages in both economics and passenger experience.

The company confirmed that the Airbus A380 will continue to play a role in the fleet for the foreseeable future, though its long-term status is still under review. Meanwhile, the 747-8i will remain in service alongside a smaller number of Airbus A330-300s and A330neos to support flexibility across Lufthansa Group airlines.

Looking Ahead

Overall, Lufthansa Group expects to take delivery of more than 230 new aircraft by 2030, with widebody capacity increasing by roughly 20%. Executives highlighted that all future deliveries will arrive with standardized specifications across the group’s carriers, ensuring greater commonality and efficiency. By retiring aging aircraft and transitioning to next-generation models, Lufthansa aims to solidify its position as a global leader in sustainable and efficient long-haul travel. 

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, airlinegeeks.com, lufthansa.com, airbus.com, boeing.com