Why Lufthansa's Retired Boeing 747-400s Could Land At This Dutch Airport But Not Take Off

Lufthansa parked six retired Boeing 747-400s at a small Dutch airport during the COVID-19 downturn, drawn by low parking costs—but getting the aircraft back into service proved difficult. The airport could accommodate landings, but the planes couldn’t take off, leaving the jets stranded until they were eventually phased out. Lufthansa has continued to operate 747s despite the type’s retirement trend: according to ch-aviation, the carrier runs 25 examples total, including eight 747-400s and 17 747-8s, with the older 747-400s averaging 26.5 years. Lufthansa accelerated retirements during the pandemic and expects the remaining 747-400s to leave service by 2027.