1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
TravelGermany

Why Lufthansa is retiring an unusual aviation icon

08:47

This browser does not support the video element.

Jared Reed
October 18, 2026

Lufthansa is retiring its last Airbus A340-600 after nearly 25 years. The four-engine jet, known for its unusual downstairs toilets, is being phased out as airlines shift to more fuel-efficient aircraft.

German airline Lufthansa is retiring its iconic Airbus A340-600 in a final flight this weekend from Washington to Frankfurt. The four-engine jet is the second-longest passenger plane ever built, with a long-haul range of almost 13,000 kilometers (8,100 miles).

But most people know the plane for this particular detail, the downstairs toilets! DW spoke with aviation content creator Marc Plaetrich of The Airlinetester YouTube channel, on what made the A340-600 so special.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW