The Airbus A340-600, known as the A346, is set for retirement by Lufthansa on October 18. Despite its dated cabin and high fuel consumption, the four-engine jet has amassed a devoted fan base. Aviation enthusiast Connor Joossens traveled from Orlando to fly the final route from Washington Dulles to Frankfurt.
Charmaine D'Cruz of Lufthansa Group noted passengers are particularly fascinated by the aircraft's unique downstairs restrooms. The A346 entered service in 2002 to compete with the Boeing 747, but fewer than 100 were built. After Boeing introduced the more efficient 777-300ER, the A346 became an anachronism.
Lufthansa originally retired the jets post-pandemic but revived them due to delays in newer aircraft deliveries. Captain Francesco Sciortino will pilot the final flight, acknowledging the plane's reliability but stating the era must end. While pilots will miss the power, Sciortino believes average passengers will miss nothing.
The retirement marks the end of a unique chapter in commercial aviation history.
Source: New York Times Business · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing