German airline Lufthansa is reportedly finalizing a deal to sell two of its Boeing 747-8 aircraft to the United States Air Force. Aviation insider JonNYC shared details on X, indicating that the airline plans to expedite the departure of these jets from its fleet. Currently, Lufthansa operates a total of 19 Boeing 747-8 aircraft, making it one of only three airlines still using the model for scheduled passenger services, alongside Korean Air and Air China.
The decision to sell these aircraft has raised eyebrows, particularly as Lufthansa had not previously indicated any intention to part with these relatively new planes. This development has led to speculation about potential connections to the ongoing delays with the replacement of the Air Force One fleet. Former President Donald Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current 747-200 modified aircraft, stating they are no longer suitable for their role.
Details of the Transaction
The US Air Force has placed an order for two new Boeing 747-8 aircraft, but production delays mean they may not be ready until mid-2028 at the earliest. This timeline suggests that the current president may miss the opportunity to utilize these new aircraft during his term. As of now, Lufthansa has not publicly confirmed the sale or commented on the matter, despite inquiries from media outlets.
The two aircraft slated for transfer to the US Air Force are registered as D-ABYD and D-ABYG. D-ABYD is expected to leave the Lufthansa fleet by January 2026, while D-ABYG is scheduled to depart in the latter half of 2026. This sale will reduce Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8 fleet to 17 jets, a significant change for an airline that has long been regarded as a major operator of this iconic aircraft.
Aircraft Specifications and Fleet Modifications
Both aircraft have been in service for just over a decade and are equipped with four General Electric GEnx-2B67 engines. They have become a familiar sight at major airports, including Los Angeles International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The specifications of these aircraft highlight their importance to Lufthansa’s long-haul operations, with both configured to carry a mix of first, business, and economy class passengers.
Lufthansa has been in the process of retrofitting its Boeing 747-8 fleet with new Allegris cabins, a project set to begin in 2025. The updates will include the addition of private suites on the lower deck, while the upper deck will maintain its existing business class layout until a refresh is planned for 2027 or 2028. This strategy indicates that the airline is committed to enhancing passenger experience, even as it contemplates the sale of some of its fleet.
As the aviation community watches closely, it remains to be seen how this potential deal will unfold. Enthusiasts and industry observers are keen to see where these iconic jets will ultimately end up, given their significance in the world of commercial aviation.
