Lufthansa Celebrates 15 Years of Climate Research Flights

Lufthansa Climate Research Programme Completes 15 Years of Atmospheric Data Collection

Lufthansa has marked 15 years of continuous climate research conducted on scheduled passenger flights using its Airbus A340-300, “Viersen”. On 8 July 2026, the aircraft completes 15 years of collecting atmospheric data while operating regular commercial services.

The initiative began on 8 July 2011, when the aircraft, registered D-AIGT, flew from Frankfurt to Lagos equipped with the IAGOS (In-Service Aircraft for a Global Observing System) measurement system. Developed in partnership with Forschungszentrum Jülich, the programme enabled Lufthansa to integrate climate research into scheduled passenger operations.

More Than Three Decades of Atmospheric Research

Lufthansa Group’s contribution to atmospheric research dates back to 1994 through the earlier MOZAIC programme, which operated until 2014. Together, the MOZAIC and IAGOS programmes represent more than 30 years of continuous atmospheric observations using commercial aircraft.

Today, up to three Lufthansa Group aircraft participate in the IAGOS programme. Alongside the Airbus A340-300 operated by Lufthansa, two Airbus A330-300 aircraft operated by Discover Airlines collect atmospheric data on international routes.

Supporting Climate Science

The aircraft are fitted with compact scientific instruments installed beneath the cockpit. During each flight, air samples are collected and analysed before the data is automatically transmitted to the CNRS research centre in Toulouse, France.

The information is made freely available to researchers worldwide and is currently used by around 400 organisations to study long-term atmospheric changes, improve climate models and enhance weather forecasting. The data also contributes to the World Meteorological Organization’s aircraft-based observation network.

More Than 37,500 Research Flights

Since 1994, Lufthansa Group aircraft have completed more than 37,500 research flights using the MOZAIC and IAGOS systems. The programme has helped build one of the world’s largest long-term datasets on atmospheric ozone and water vapour.

Currently, 10 aircraft operated by eight airlines worldwide are equipped with the IAGOS system, supporting ongoing climate and atmospheric research.

Lufthansa said the programme forms part of its broader sustainability strategy, which also includes research into non-CO₂ aviation effects, climate-optimised flight planning and improved weather data to support more efficient flight operations.

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