Lufthansa turns 100! | News
In 2026, Lufthansa marks an important milestone: on January 6, 1926, 100 years ago, the first “Luft Hansa” was founded and on April 6 of the same year it had its first flight. This anniversary is not only a reflection on the history of one of the most iconic brands in aviation, but also an important step into the future. It honors the pioneering spirit, innovation and connection of people, cultures and economies that Lufthansa has been shaping for a century.
The story begins with the creation of the first Lufthansa, created from the merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd. This merger laid the foundation for a success story in international aviation that continues to this day. However, the journey did not always go smoothly. Lufthansa’s history is marked by challenges, interruptions and new beginnings, demonstrating the company’s resilience and relentless spirit of innovation.
The darkest chapter in Lufthansa’s history took place during the Nazi era, when the airline became part of the regime and played an active role within it. Lufthansa uses the 100th anniversary as an opportunity to critically examine and further address its involvement during this period based on historical research. When reflecting on its history, Lufthansa does not limit itself to the post-war chapters. The years from its founding to the demise of the first Lufthansa are also part of the company’s story.
With the re-establishment of the “second Lufthansa” in 1953, the legal basis for the current Lufthansa was laid. Once again, a great pioneering spirit was needed to make a new start after the war. In 1955, flight operations resumed and the journey of the newly founded Deutsche Lufthansa AG began.
Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary is a moment of pride and reflection. At the same time, it represents a bold look at the future and the beginning of the company’s second century
Anniversary motto: “We are the Journey”
The anniversary is being celebrated under the motto ‘We are the Journey’ – a message that highlights the shared journey of employees, passengers and fans of the brand. Since the first flight 100 years ago, Lufthansa has not only written its own history, but also significantly shaped the future of aviation.
The anniversary is a tribute to the guests who guided Lufthansa through a century full of challenges, changes and progress. Without their loyalty and trust, Lufthansa’s success story would not have been possible. The anniversary is therefore an expression of gratitude to the people who shaped this journey.
This mainly includes the employees: Lufthansa employees. Since the company’s founding, they have been united by a unique spirit characterized by pioneering ambition, a passion for flight and a commitment to excellence. Today, 40,000 people from 122 countries work for the Lufthansa brand and 100,000 people from more than 160 countries are part of the Group.
A year full of experiences for customers, fans and employees
In the anniversary year of 2026, Lufthansa will organize a variety of activities and events to honor the history and future of the aviation group. These include a permanent exhibition in the Lufthansa Group Hangar One, special events, a history book, film and video productions, staff parties, customer events and marketing and product campaigns.
The anniversary year will be visible and tangible for Lufthansa customers from January. The special ‘100 Years of Lufthansa’ emblem will appear in many places on boarding passes, at airports and on board Lufthansa flights. Outside airports – for example in many city centers – a poster campaign will tell Lufthansa’s story through iconic images and messages.
Flying ambassadors: the Lufthansa anniversary fleet
A highlight of the festivities will be the special aircraft livery: Lufthansa’s core brand’s main sub-fleets will feature one aircraft with the new special 100-year livery. Lufthansa’s anniversary fleet consists of six aircraft: an Airbus A380, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 747-8. Leading the anniversary fleet is the Boeing 787-9 named ‘Berlin’, which was delivered to Germany from Boeing’s factory in Washington state, USA, shortly before Christmas and landed at its new home airport in Frankfurt. This ultra-modern aircraft, registered as D-ABPU, will soon enter regular service.
In addition, there will be two retro colorways. These designs combine tradition and progress, making each aircraft a unique flying ambassador of the brand. The iconic crane, designed by Otto Firle in 1918, remains the global symbol of Lufthansa.
