Lufthansa celebrates 100 years in 2026, marking a century of aviation history, innovation and global connection, while reflecting on its past and looking ahead to its second century.
In 2026, Lufthansa reaches a landmark moment in global aviation history, celebrating 100 years since the founding of the first “Luft Hansa” on 6 January 1926 and its maiden flight on 6 April the same year. The centenary is both a moment of reflection and a forward-looking milestone, honouring a century defined by pioneering spirit, innovation, and the connection of people, cultures and economies across the world.
The Lufthansa story began with the merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd, a union that laid the foundation for an international aviation success story that continues today. Over the decades, the airline’s journey has been shaped by challenges, interruptions and new beginnings, demonstrating resilience and a persistent drive to innovate.
Lufthansa also acknowledges the darkest chapter in its history during the Nazi era, when the airline became part of the regime and played an active role within it. The 100th anniversary is being used as an opportunity to critically examine this period, informed by historical research. Importantly, Lufthansa views its history as a continuous narrative, encompassing both the early years leading to the downfall of the first Lufthansa and the post-war re-establishment of the company.
With the founding of the “second Lufthansa” in 1953, the legal basis of today’s Lufthansa was created. Once again, pioneering ambition was required to rebuild after the war. Flight operations resumed in 1955, marking the beginning of Deutsche Lufthansa AG’s modern era.
The centenary is a moment of pride and reflection, while also signalling a confident step into the future and the beginning of Lufthansa’s second century.
We Are the Journey
The anniversary is celebrated under the motto “We are the Journey”, reflecting the shared path of employees, passengers and supporters of the brand. Since its first flight, Lufthansa has not only written its own history but has also helped shape the broader development of aviation. The centenary pays tribute to the guests whose loyalty and trust have supported the airline through decades of change and progress.
At the heart of this journey are Lufthansa’s people. From its earliest days, employees have been united by a spirit of pioneering ambition, a passion for flying and a commitment to excellence. Today, around 40,000 people from 122 nations work for the Lufthansa brand, with approximately 100,000 employees from more than 160 nations across the Group.
A Year of Anniversary Experiences
Throughout 2026, Lufthansa will host a wide range of activities to honour both its history and its future. These include a permanent exhibition at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, special events, a history book, film and video productions, employee celebrations, customer events, and dedicated marketing and product campaigns.
The anniversary will be visible to customers from January, with a special “100 Years of Lufthansa” emblem appearing on boarding passes, at airports and onboard flights. Beyond the airport environment, poster campaigns in city centres will tell the airline’s story through iconic images and messages.
Flying Ambassadors of a Century
One of the highlights of the centenary year will be the Lufthansa anniversary fleet. Key sub-fleets of the core brand will each feature one aircraft in a special 100-year livery. The fleet comprises six aircraft: an Airbus A380, Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A320, Boeing 747-8, and a Boeing 787-9.
Leading the fleet is the Boeing 787-9 Berlin, delivered from Boeing’s factory in Washington State shortly before Christmas and flown to its new home in Frankfurt. Registered as D-ABPU, the aircraft will soon enter scheduled service. In addition, two retro liveries will combine tradition and progress, creating distinctive flying ambassadors for the brand.
Central to all designs is Lufthansa’s iconic crane, created by Otto Firle in 1918, which remains the airline’s global symbol. Together, these aircraft reflect a century of heritage while pointing confidently towards the future.
SOURCE AND IMAGES: LUFTHANSA
