**Frankfurt, Germany** – Lufthansa is marking its 100th anniversary throughout 2026, commemorating a century of aviation history with a special fleet of aircraft adorned in unique liveries, alongside a deep dive into its past. The airline, which traces its origins back to the founding of "Luft Hansa" on January 6, 1926, is embracing its heritage while looking towards the future under the motto "We are the Journey."
To honor this significant milestone, Lufthansa has introduced a growing "anniversary fleet" featuring six aircraft types: an Airbus A320, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A380, a Boeing 747-8, and a Boeing 787-9. The initial aircraft to sport the celebratory design was the Boeing 787-9 named "Berlin," delivered in late 2025. More recently, an Airbus A321-200 has been painted in a historic "parable" design, reminiscent of the airline's 1950s livery inspired by the Lockheed Super Star. This retro livery, featuring sweeping curved lines, evokes a sense of dynamism and a forward-looking approach, a hallmark of Lufthansa's design evolution.
The special livery across the anniversary fleet prominently features Lufthansa's iconic crane emblem, a symbol that has been associated with the airline since its early days, originally designed by Otto Firle in 1918. The design includes a large white crane whose wings merge into the aircraft's wings, creating the visual effect of the plane soaring on the crane's power. The fuselage is marked with "100" and the years "1926 / 2026," signifying the centenary celebration. This initiative aims to transform the aircraft into "flying ambassadors" of the airline's brand history.
Beyond the celebratory aircraft, Lufthansa is also engaging in a comprehensive historical review of its past. The airline has commissioned a new scientific analysis that critically examines its role during the National Socialist regime, acknowledging its "clear" part in the system. This includes its integration into the Nazi war economy and the exploitation of forced laborers. The findings of this study will be published in a book, and an exhibition at the new Lufthansa Group Hangar One at Frankfurt Airport will also address this period.
The airline's centenary celebrations extend to a restored Lockheed L-1649 Super Star, which will be displayed at the new visitor center at Frankfurt Airport, alongside a Junkers Ju 52. This multifaceted approach to its 100th anniversary underscores Lufthansa's commitment to honoring its legacy, confronting its history, and charting a course for its second century in aviation.
