Condor Bids Adieu to Boeing 757 with Special Farewell Flight

German airline Condor has concluded its lengthy 35-year journey with the Boeing 757 by hosting a special farewell flight on November 5, 2025. This last flight saw the iconic aircraft transporting over 100 passengers from Frankfurt to Vienna, marking the Boeing 757’s retirement from commercial operation.

Over the decades, the sleek design of the Boeing 757 has been integral to Condor’s short and medium-haul fleet. As per reports from ch-aviation, the airline has operated a total of 18 Boeing 757-200s and nine 757-300s throughout its history. Recently, the remaining aircraft were retired, with some sent to Cotswold Airport in the UK for dismantling.

On the farewell flight, Condor utilized its final Boeing 757-300, registered as D-ABOM, adorned in a striking red and white candy-striped livery. The flight was filled with long-time employees, journalists, and devoted fans of the Boeing 757. Tickets for this significant journey were auctioned online, showcasing the aircraft’s passionate following.

The festivities kicked off at 10:27 AM local time as “Red Passion,” the aircraft’s affectionate nickname due to its vibrant livery, pushed back from its gate at Frankfurt-Main Airport (FRA). It successfully landed in Vienna at 11:34 AM, taking an hour and seven minutes for the journey.

At Vienna Airport (VIE), the aircraft received a spectacular water salute from the fire brigade. Celebrations continued at the airport with delicious pretzels, schnapps, and uplifting tunes played by a brass band, creating a festive atmosphere for the lucky passengers. The aircraft later took off at 2:28 PM, heading back to Frankfurt for what Condor playfully dubbed “the world’s highest party.”

While returning, the flight crew crafted a large ‘757’ shape in the skies over Northern Germany, visible to around 1.2 million people tracking the flight via radar online.

Onboard, the atmosphere was lively, with a DJ spinning tracks and transforming the aisle into a makeshift dance floor, complete with colorful lighting. Flight attendants served special cocktails called ‘757 Sunset’ and presented passengers with enamel wing pins as keepsakes.

At 4:16 PM local time, the Boeing 757-300 touched down at Frankfurt’s runway 07C, signaling the end of 35 years of Boeing operations at the airline. In a fitting tribute, water cannons created an arch for the aircraft as nostalgia filled the cabin, with passengers waving glow sticks in celebration.

Throughout its history, Condor has operated various Boeing models, including 18 Boeing 767-300ERs alongside the 757s. However, the airline has now transitioned to an all-Airbus fleet, which includes 20 A320s, three A320neos, 13 A321s, six A321neos, and 18 A330-900neos. Additionally, Condor has 43 next-generation Airbus aircraft on order.

The decision to retire the Boeing 757 marks a notable shift for the airline, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices and modernization with an updated fleet.

“The retirement of the Boeing 757 signifies the end of an era at Condor,” noted Christian Schmitt, the COO of Condor. “This also opens a new chapter with a modern and environmentally friendly Airbus fleet.”

“Condor has evolved beyond just a leisure airline, as shown by our expanding network with new city connections. Our farewell flight perfectly captured the nostalgia of our final Boeing 757 while also looking joyfully towards the future, as symbolized by our destination, Vienna.”

What are your thoughts on the transition from Boeing to Airbus in the airline industry?