Lufthansa Slashes Airbus A340 US Flights by 50% This Winter

Lufthansa has announced a significant reduction in its Airbus A340 flights to the United States this winter, cutting operations by nearly 50%. This decision comes as the German airline shifts its fleet strategy towards more fuel-efficient aircraft, primarily the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Over the years, airlines have moved away from older, four-engine aircraft like the A340, which was once a mainstay for long-haul travel. Developed alongside the A330 and entering service in 1993, the A340 was the first four-engine model from Airbus. However, market dynamics have evolved, resulting in a decline in the number of airlines operating this type.

As of now, Lufthansa maintains a fleet of 17 Airbus A340-300s and 14 A340-600s, with average ages of 26.1 and 19.6 years, respectively. According to data from aviation analytics provider Cirium, the airline plans to schedule just over 10,000 A340 flights in 2023, including more than 2,400 to the US. Despite this, the airline will operate only about 387 one-way flights on US routes using the A340-300 this winter, down from 564 last year.

Shifts in Aircraft Deployment

The reduction in A340 flights translates to over 500 fewer one-way services to the US. Lufthansa will replace much of this capacity with the more modern Boeing 787-9, which is gradually expanding its presence in the airline’s transatlantic network. While overall flight numbers to the US will remain stable compared to last winter, the change in aircraft utilization marks a notable shift.

Specific routes will see varied adjustments. For example, Lufthansa’s Frankfurt to Atlanta route, which was primarily serviced by the A340-300 last year, will transition to the 294-seat 787-9 Dreamliner starting November 20. Similarly, the Frankfurt to Denver route, previously operated by the larger A340-600, will now be serviced by the A340-300.

In addition, other US destinations, including Seattle, Detroit, and Dallas/Fort Worth, will experience reduced A340 frequencies. The Detroit service, originally scheduled for the A340-300, will now feature a mix of A340-300, A340-600, and Boeing 787-9 aircraft throughout the season.

Future of the A340 Fleet

The A340-600 variant has also seen a drastic reduction in scheduled flights, dropping to only 173 this winter from 550 during the same period last year. The Star Alliance member will retain A340-600 operations on select routes, including New York JFK, Detroit, and Boston. However, the overall trend suggests a gradual phase-out of the A340 as newer models become available.

Lufthansa had initially aimed to retire its A340-600 fleet by late 2025, contingent upon the arrival of up to ten 787-9s. Unfortunately, delivery delays have forced the airline to prolong the service of its aging fleet. The airline’s plans to enhance its offerings with modern aircraft have been hampered by certification delays for the Dreamliner, prompting a more extended use of both the A340-600 and its older 747 fleet.

As the airline navigates this transitional phase, the impact on passengers will be notable, particularly as Lufthansa adapts its services to align with changing market demands and operational efficiencies.