Lufthansa’s second Boeing 747-8I for the U.S. Air Force left Frankfurt on 26 September and flew to Pinal Airpark in Arizona under flight number LH9866. The aircraft, D-ABYG, will support the presidential airlift programme by feeding the future VC-25B Air Force One fleet with spare parts.
The jet, serial number 37831, entered Lufthansa service in March 2013 and carried the name Baden-Württemberg. Its final commercial flight took place on 31 August, from Los Angeles to Frankfurt, before it was prepared for transfer. Lufthansa removed the airline’s livery and external markings before departure, confirming the aircraft had exited the passenger fleet.
The move follows the earlier transfer of Lufthansa’s first 747-8I to the United States and extends a broader arrangement under which the U.S. Air Force is securing retired 747-8s for training and sustainment. The company continues to monetise older long-haul widebodies as its 747 fleet rolls over, while Boeing advances the VC-25B replacement programme.