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Lufthansa remains the largest operator of passenger Boeing 747s, with a fleet that includes both the newer 747-8 and older 747-400 models. While only four airlines continue to operate scheduled passenger services with the 747—Air China, Rossiya Airlines, Korean Air, and Lufthansa—Lufthansa has committed to keeping its Jumbos in service longer than any other carrier.
A significant factor in Lufthansa's ability to keep these aircraft flying is its maintenance subsidiary, Lufthansa Technik. This company provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services not only for Lufthansa Group's own aircraft but also for more than 800 customers worldwide. Some of these customers operate Boeing 747s as well. "Lufthansa Technik is a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group that provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aircraft, engines, and components. Lufthansa Technik not only maintains Lufthansa Group's aircraft, but also those of many other airlines. The company claims to serve over 800 customers globally, and some of these operate Boeing 747 aircraft, including Air China and Asiana Airlines." This extensive expertise helps reduce logistical costs associated with operating a diverse widebody fleet.
The routes flown by Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8s are typically high-demand international destinations from Frankfurt such as New York City, Delhi, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Chicago-O'Hare, Houston, Miami, Newark (New York), Johannesburg, Buenos Aires, Seoul, and Bengaluru. These routes attract premium business travelers who value first-class service. The airline continues to offer first class on its long-haul flights at a time when many carriers are phasing it out. "At a time when airlines around the world are ditching first class, Lufthansa is holding onto it. Lufthansa is even updating its first-class offerings with its new Allegris layout."
