Mumbai: In 2026, Lufthansa reaches a historic milestone, celebrating 100 years since the founding of the first “Luft Hansa” on January 6, 1926. As one of the world’s most iconic aviation brands and Europe’s largest airline group, Lufthansa is commemorating a century defined by pioneering spirit, innovation, resilience, and global connectivity, while firmly setting its sights on the future.
The airline’s journey began with the merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd, culminating in the maiden flight of the first Lufthansa on April 6, 1926. Over the decades, Lufthansa’s story has been shaped by progress as well as profound challenges, including interruptions during the Second World War and its complex involvement during the Nazi era. As part of its centenary, Lufthansa is undertaking a critical reflection of this period, grounded in historical research, acknowledging all chapters of its past as an integral part of its identity.
The legal foundation of today’s Deutsche Lufthansa AG was laid with the establishment of the “second Lufthansa” in 1953, followed by the resumption of flight operations in 1955. This post-war rebirth marked the beginning of a new era of growth, innovation, and international expansion that continues to this day.
The 100th anniversary is being celebrated under the motto “We are the Journey,” symbolising the shared path of employees, passengers, and brand loyalists who have shaped Lufthansa’s evolution. The centenary is both a tribute to the trust of its customers and a recognition of the dedication of its people. Today, around 40,000 employees from 122 nations work under the Lufthansa brand, while the broader Lufthansa Group employs approximately 100,000 people from over 160 countries.
Throughout 2026, Lufthansa will host a wide range of commemorative activities, including a permanent exhibition at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, special customer and employee events, a dedicated history book, film and video productions, and targeted marketing and product campaigns. The anniversary will also be visible across the customer journey, with a special “100 Years of Lufthansa” emblem featured on boarding passes, at airports, onboard aircraft, and through city-wide poster campaigns showcasing iconic moments from the airline’s history.
A key highlight of the celebrations is the launch of the Lufthansa anniversary fleet. Six aircraft across major sub-fleets will feature special 100-year liveries, including an Airbus A380, Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8. Leading the fleet is the Boeing 787-9 “Berlin,” recently delivered to Frankfurt and set to enter scheduled service as the first aircraft bearing the centenary livery. In addition, two retro liveries blending heritage and modernity will serve as flying ambassadors of the Lufthansa brand, proudly carrying the iconic crane symbol designed by Otto Firle in 1918.
As Lufthansa celebrates its centenary, the milestone stands as both a moment of reflection and a bold declaration of intent—honouring a century of aviation leadership while embarking on the next chapter of innovation, sustainability, and global connection in its second hundred years.
