Condor, the German leisure airline, is among the last operators of the iconic Boeing 757-300, often referred to as the “flying pencil.
” With a fleet of eight 757-300s complementing its modern Airbus A320-family and A330 aircraft, these aircraft have been a reliable part of Condor’s operations for over two decades. However, as these planes near their 25th anniversary, Condor has announced they will be retired by the end of the summer season in 2025 (October 27th).
The airline, which has already retired seven 757s since the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue to rely on the type for key leisure routes throughout 2025, before saying goodbye to these storied aircraft.
The Role of the 757-300 in Condor’s Operations
According to aviation data from Cirium, Condor’s 757-300s will operate 2,928 flights and carry approximately 805,200 passengers in 2025. This represents a significant reduction from 2024, when the airline flew over 4,500 757 flights. Despite this downsizing, the 757 will remain an integral part of Condor’s schedule for several popular routes.
Key Routes Served by the 757-300
1. Frankfurt – Palma de Mallorca (FRA-PMI)
- Total Departures: 443 (starting in April)
- Peak Frequency: Triple-daily flights during the summer months.
- Capacity: 121,825 seats each way for the summer season.
This route is Condor’s busiest for the 757 fleet, connecting German holidaymakers to Spain’s sunny Balearic Islands.
2. Düsseldorf – Palma de Mallorca (DUS-PMI)
- Total Departures: 346 (starting in May)
- Peak Frequency: Three daily flights during peak summer.
- Overview: Condor will operate over 3,370 flights to Palma from various German and European cities, offering more than 750,000 seats.
3. Düsseldorf – Hurghada (DUS-HRG)
- Total Departures: 272 (January to October)
- Peak Frequency: Daily flights starting in April.
Hurghada, a popular Egyptian Red Sea destination, will see nearly 1,400 Condor flights in 2025, making it one of the airline’s most frequently served routes.
4. Frankfurt – Gran Canaria (FRA-LPA)
- Total Departures: 145 (year-round)
- Peak Frequency: Up to four weekly flights during the summer.
Gran Canaria remains a key leisure destination, with flights also originating from other German airports like Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf.
5. Frankfurt – Hurghada (FRA-HRG)
- Total Departures: 99 (January to April)
- Details: Frequencies ramp up to daily in March and April before the A320-family fleet takes over in May.
6. Frankfurt – Fuerteventura (FRA-FUE)
- Total Departures: 76 (May to October)
- Frequency: Three weekly flights during the summer season.
Fuerteventura, a laid-back Canary Island destination, emphasizes outdoor activities and scenic escapes.
7. Düsseldorf – Tenerife (DUS-TFS)
- Total Departures: 30 (April to October)
- Frequency: Weekly flights throughout the summer.
Tenerife, the largest Canary Island, is a perennial favorite for its beaches, nightlife, and natural beauty.
8. Düsseldorf – Gran Canaria (DUS-LPA)
- Total Departures: 23 (January to April)
- Details: Limited 757 service will be supplemented by A320-family aircraft from May onwards.
9. Frankfurt – Tenerife (FRA-TFS)
- Total Departures: 19 (January to April)
- Details: Weekly flights before transitioning exclusively to the A320-family fleet in May.
10. Düsseldorf – Fuerteventura (DUS-FUE)
- Total Departures: 9 (March and April)
- Details: A320-family aircraft will handle nearly all services except for these limited 757 flights.
The Future of Condor’s 757 Fleet
Condor announced in early 2024 that its remaining eight 757-300s would retire at the end of the 2025 summer season. While these aircraft have been a dependable part of Condor’s operations, their age and the airline’s move toward a more fuel-efficient fleet have prompted their retirement.
The carrier has gradually transitioned to a fleet that includes Airbus A320-family jets and A330 aircraft, aligning with its focus on modernization and sustainability.
Condor’s Boeing 757-300s have been an essential part of the airline’s history, connecting travelers to sunny leisure destinations for decades.
As these iconic aircraft prepare for their final flights in 2025, they leave behind a legacy of reliable service. While Condor moves forward with a more modern fleet, the 757’s role in shaping the airline’s operations and reputation will not be forgotten.
FAQ:
1. What is the Boeing 757-300, and why is it significant to Condor?
The Boeing 757-300, often called the “flying pencil” due to its long and narrow design, has been a key part of Condor’s fleet for over two decades. These aircraft have been essential in serving popular leisure routes, carrying passengers to sunny destinations across Europe and beyond.
2. How many Boeing 757-300s does Condor currently operate?
Condor operates a fleet of eight Boeing 757-300s, down from 15 before the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven have already been retired, with the remaining aircraft set to leave service by the end of the 2025 summer season.
3. When will Condor retire its Boeing 757-300 fleet?
Condor plans to retire its entire Boeing 757-300 fleet by October 27, 2025, at the end of the summer season.
4. How many flights will Condor operate with the Boeing 757-300 in 2025?
Condor’s 757-300s are scheduled to operate 2,928 flights and carry approximately 805,200 passengers in 2025.
5. Which are the busiest routes served by Condor’s Boeing 757-300s?
The busiest routes include:
- Frankfurt – Palma de Mallorca (443 flights, 121,825 seats)
- Düsseldorf – Palma de Mallorca (346 flights)
- Düsseldorf – Hurghada (272 flights)
- Frankfurt – Gran Canaria (145 flights)
6. Why is Condor retiring its Boeing 757-300 fleet?
Condor is retiring the 757-300 fleet due to the aircraft’s age (averaging 25 years) and the airline’s transition to more fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft, such as the Airbus A320-family and A330.
7. What will replace the Boeing 757-300 in Condor’s fleet?
Condor is focusing on expanding its fleet of modern Airbus A320-family jets for short- and medium-haul routes and Airbus A330 aircraft for long-haul operations.