COLOGNE- Lufthansa (LH) has confirmed the sale of 2 Boeing 747-8 aircraft that will exit its long-haul fleet between January and the third quarter of 2026. The aircraft are destined for the United States Air Force (USAF) to support future presidential aviation operations.
Operating primarily from Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt (FRA), Lufthansa will reduce its Boeing 747-8 fleet from 19 to 17 aircraft.
According to OMAAT, the transaction aligns with the US Air Force’s efforts to sustain and modernize the Air Force One program.
Lufthansa Adjusts Boeing 747-8 Fleet Plans
Lufthansa is one of only 3 airlines worldwide to operate the passenger version of the Boeing 747-8, alongside Air China and Korean Air.
The aircraft has played a central role in the airline’s long-haul network, and Lufthansa had previously planned to retain all 19 aircraft for the long term while completing fleet-wide cabin retrofits.
Despite those plans, two aircraft have now been confirmed for sale. Aviation industry analyst JonNYC was the first to report the development, which was later corroborated by a reliable Lufthansa fleet tracking guide.
One aircraft was initially expected to leave the fleet immediately, while the second was planned for a later exit.
The confirmed aircraft are registered as D-ABYD and D-ABYG. The 13-year-old D-ABYD is scheduled to leave the fleet in January 2026. The 12-year-old D-ABYG is expected to exit in the third quarter of 2026.
Following these departures, Lufthansa’s long-term Boeing 747-8 fleet will consist of a maximum of 17 aircraft.
Limited Market for Used Widebody Aircraft
The sale is notable given the weak global market for used widebody aircraft. Airlines typically face limited demand and substantial financial losses when attempting to sell large, aging jets.
Lufthansa’s decision to part with 2 Boeing 747-8s was therefore unexpected, particularly given prior commitments to retain and refurbish the fleet.
The unusual nature of the transaction raised questions about the buyer and intended use of the aircraft, as few commercial operators are positioned to absorb used Boeing 747s.
US Air Force Acquisition and Replacement Program
Reuters has reported that the US Air Force acquired 2 Boeing 747-8 aircraft at a combined cost of approximately $400 million.
The purchase is widely understood to correspond to the two aircraft departing Lufthansa’s fleet.
The aircraft will not serve as the primary Air Force One platforms. Instead, they will be used for presidential fleet support missions, including crew training, operational readiness, and spare parts sustainment.
The US Air Force is in the process of replacing the current Air Force One fleet, which is based on modified Boeing 747-200 aircraft. The replacement aircraft will be heavily customized Boeing 747-8s.
Two Boeing 747-8 aircraft, identified by Boeing line numbers 1519 and 1523, were originally built for Russia’s now-defunct Transaero airline but were never delivered. These aircraft are designated to become the next primary Air Force One platforms.
The replacement program has faced significant delays. Although delivery was initially planned for 2024, the timeline has now slipped to 2028 at the earliest.
During this interim period, President Trump has indicated plans to use a Boeing 747-8 accepted as a gift from Qatar as a temporary Air Force One solution, citing dissatisfaction with the aging 747-200 fleet.
Purpose of Additional Boeing 747-8 Aircraft
The acquisition of former Lufthansa aircraft addresses a critical operational gap. The Boeing 747-8 is no longer in production and differs substantially from the Boeing 747-200 in avionics, systems, and maintenance requirements.
By acquiring additional 747-8 airframes, the US Air Force can establish a dedicated training platform and ensure long-term spare parts availability.
This approach reduces operational risk and supports sustained readiness once the new Air Force One aircraft enter service.
Bottom Line
Lufthansa’s sale of 2 Boeing 747-8 aircraft will reduce its long-term fleet to 17 aircraft, with departures scheduled for early and mid-2026.
The aircraft will be transferred to the US Air Force, where they will support presidential aviation operations through training and sustainment roles.
The transaction supports the delayed Air Force One replacement program while providing Lufthansa with a rare and strategically viable exit for surplus widebody aircraft.
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