Lufthansa Turns 100, Marking a Century of Aviation
Lufthansa was formed through the merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd, creating the foundation for an international aviation network that has evolved through multiple eras. The airline’s history includes periods of growth, disruption and renewal, shaped by economic change, geopolitical events and technological progress.
The company has acknowledged that its past includes difficult chapters, particularly during the Nazi era, when the airline was part of the regime. Lufthansa has stated that it is using the anniversary to continue examining this period through historical research, recognising that the years from its founding to the end of the first Lufthansa are an integral part of its story.
Following the Second World War, Lufthansa was re-established in 1953, creating the legal basis of today’s airline. Flight operations resumed in 1955, marking a new beginning that laid the groundwork for post-war expansion and international growth.
Anniversary theme: “We are the Journey”
Lufthansa’s centenary is being marked under the theme “We are the Journey”, highlighting the shared path of passengers, employees and partners over the past 100 years. The airline notes that its development has been shaped not only by aircraft and routes, but by the people who have contributed to its operations across generations.
Today, around 40,000 employees from 122 nations work for the Lufthansa brand, while the wider Lufthansa Group employs approximately 100,000 people from more than 160 countries.
A year-long programme in 2026
Throughout 2026, Lufthansa will host a range of activities to mark the anniversary. These include a permanent exhibition at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, employee and customer events, a history publication, film and digital content, and product and marketing initiatives.
From January, customers will begin seeing a “100 Years of Lufthansa” emblem on boarding passes, at airports, and on board aircraft. A broader visual campaign will also appear beyond airports, using historical imagery to reflect the airline’s evolution.
Anniversary aircraft and special liveries
A central feature of the celebrations is the Lufthansa anniversary fleet, with one aircraft from each core sub-fleet carrying a dedicated centenary livery. The fleet includes:
Airbus A380
Airbus A350-1000
Airbus A350-900
Airbus A320
Boeing 747-8
Boeing 787-9 “Berlin”
The Boeing 787-9, registered D-ABPU, was delivered shortly before Christmas and will enter scheduled service during the anniversary year. In addition, two aircraft will feature retro liveries that reference earlier design eras, incorporating the crane logo created by Otto Firle in 1918, which remains Lufthansa’s visual symbol.
As Lufthansa enters its second century on January 6, the anniversary offers a moment to reflect on its history, responsibilities, and role in the future of aviation.
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