Airlines

Lufthansa Plans to Retire A340 and Boeing 747-400 Fleet

In a strategic move to streamline its fleet and enhance operational efficiency, Lufthansa (LH, Frankfurt International) has announced plans to retire all remaining Airbus A330-200s, A340-300s, A340-600s, and Boeing 747-400s by 2028.

This decision is part of a comprehensive turnaround program designed to reduce the costly complexity associated with maintaining an extensive widebody fleet.

Fleet Simplification and Modernization

Lufthansa’s widebody fleet currently includes eight Boeing 747-400s, each averaging over 24 years old, alongside a fleet of 19 newer Boeing 747-8s, which are set to receive new cabins. The airline also operates 17 Airbus A340-300s, 10 Airbus A340-600s, and a smaller contingent of three A330-200s at Discover Airlines.

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The Swiss subsidiary operates nine A340-300s. With the average age of these aircraft ranging from 17 to 25 years, their retirement is seen as a necessary step toward modernizing the fleet and reducing maintenance costs.

Delayed Retirements Due to Aircraft Delivery Issues

Initially, Lufthansa had planned to phase out these older aircraft earlier, but delays in the delivery of new Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777-9 jets hindered those efforts. These delays have forced Lufthansa to extend the service life of its aging fleet, adding to operational inefficiencies and maintenance expenses.

Challenges and Market Pressures

Lufthansa’s decision comes amid several challenges impacting its operations. The airline flagged a drop in operating profit and cited negative market developments in the key Asia-Pacific region, inefficiencies within Lufthansa and Lufthansa CityLine flight operations, and a disproportionate rise in location costs in Germany, exacerbated by new collective labor agreements.

Turnaround Program Objectives

The newly launched turnaround program aims to make Lufthansa “fit for the future” and restore its position as the Group’s flagship carrier. Key components of the program include:

Focus on Premium Product: Enhancing the premium offerings to attract high-yield passengers.
Seasonal Network Adjustments: Optimizing routes to match seasonal demand, thereby improving load factors and profitability.
Expansion of Lufthansa City Airlines and Discover Operations: Increasing the operational scope of these subsidiaries to better align with market demand and reduce operational costs.
Operational Improvements: Streamlining processes and reducing inefficiencies within the mainline carrier.

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Airlines

These 6 Airlines Are Giving You Free Wi-Fi on Your 2025 Flights

In a world where staying connected is more important than ever, airlines are stepping up their game by offering passengers free Wi-Fi during their flights.

Gone are the days of paying exorbitant fees to check your emails or scroll through social media at 30,000 feet. Staying connected during a flight is becoming easier than ever, and in 2025, wireless password wifi airport and several airlines are taking it a step further by offering free Wi-Fi for their passengers.

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Here’s a look at six airlines that are leading the way in offering free high-speed internet for everyone on board.

1.Air France
Starting in the summer of 2025, Air France is teaming up with Starlink to offer ultra-fast Wi-Fi on all its flights. The service promises a “ground-like” internet experience and will be available free of charge for passengers in all cabin classes. To access the Wi-Fi, passengers can log in using their Flying Blue loyalty program accounts.
2.Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines made history as the first U.S. airline to partner with Starlink back in 2022. By September 2024, the airline successfully installed the high-speed Wi-Fi on all of its Airbus aircraft. With this partnership, airport wifi passwords passengers can enjoy reliable internet throughout their flight.
3.JetBlue
JetBlue has been a pioneer in offering free Wi-Fi to its passengers. The Boston-based airline was the first major carrier to provide free Wi-Fi for all its customers, regardless of cabin class. The service is powered by ViaSat, ensuring that JetBlue passengers stay connected even in the sky.
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4.Delta Air Lines
Delta is rolling out fast, free Wi-Fi across its fleet, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile. As of 2025, SkyMiles® Members on most domestic flights can enjoy free Wi-Fi. The airline is also working to extend this service to its international and regional routes, ensuring more passengers can stay connected.
5.Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is one of the first international airlines to offer free Wi-Fi, thanks to its partnership with Starlink. The airline has already rolled out free Wi-Fi on many of its flights, allowing passengers to enjoy seamless internet access while traveling to and from New Zealand.
6.China Eastern Airlines
China Eastern Airlines offers free Wi-Fi on select flights to and from major U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Chicago. American passengers flying on these routes can stay connected with no extra cost during their journey.