Lufthansa has announced a significant reduction in its Airbus A340 flights to the United States for the upcoming winter season, cutting the number of services by nearly 50%. This change reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry as airlines increasingly favour twin-engine aircraft for their fuel efficiency and lower operational costs.
Historically, Lufthansa has been a key operator of the Airbus A340 since its introduction in 1993. The airline currently maintains a fleet of 17 A340-300s and 14 A340-600s, with an average age of 26.1 and 19.6 years, respectively. According to aviation analytics provider Cirium, Lufthansa had scheduled over 10,000 flights using the A340 for 2025, including more than 2,400 flights to the US.
Transition to More Efficient Aircraft
As part of its winter schedule, Lufthansa will reduce A340 services to the US from 564 flights last winter to approximately 387 flights this year. This change amounts to over 500 fewer one-way A340 services to destinations such as Denver, Boston, and New York JFK, which remain active from the airline’s Frankfurt hub. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will replace much of this capacity, showcasing Lufthansa’s shift towards more modern and efficient aircraft.
Notably, the Frankfurt–Atlanta route, which was predominantly served by the A340-300 last winter, will transition to the Boeing 787-9 starting on November 20, 2025. The airline is also adjusting its operations on the Frankfurt–Denver route, which will now see the smaller A340-300 instead of the larger A340-600.
Lufthansa’s decision comes as the airline slightly reduces frequencies on other routes, including Atlanta and Detroit. On the Detroit route, operations will see a mix of aircraft, including the A340-300, A340-600, and Boeing 787-9 throughout the winter.
Current A340 Deployments
Lufthansa is scheduled to operate the A340-300 on various US routes this winter, with significant adjustments compared to the previous year. For instance, the total flights from Frankfurt to Seattle have decreased from 92 to 62, and the Dallas/Fort Worth service will primarily utilise the Airbus A330-300 instead of the A340-300. While the airline initially planned for mixed operations on the Detroit route, service adjustments will see a combination of A340-300s and Dreamliners as well.
The A340-600, which has a first-class suite configuration, will see a dramatic reduction in its operations, with only 173 flights scheduled this winter compared to 550 last year. This aircraft type will continue to serve select routes, including New York JFK, Detroit, and Boston, but overall capacity will be significantly diminished.
Lufthansa’s plans to retire its A340-600 fleet have been complicated by delays in receiving newer aircraft, specifically the Boeing 787-9. While the airline had aimed to phase out the A340-600s by late 2025, ongoing certification issues have forced a temporary extension of their service.
In summary, Lufthansa’s decision to cut A340 flights to the US by nearly half this winter reflects a strategic move towards more efficient aircraft, aligning with the broader industry shift towards twin-engine models. As the airline navigates these changes, it remains committed to maintaining its long-haul services while adapting to market demands.
