In 2026, Lufthansa marks a century of existence, signaling a historic milestone for one of the worlds most iconic airlines. On 6 January 1926, the first Luft Hansa was founded, and on 6 April of the same year it operated its inaugural flight. One hundred years later, this anniversary is not only an opportunity to look back at the past, but also a moment for a dynamic orientation toward the future.
The history of Lufthansa begins with the merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd, a union that laid the foundations for its later international trajectory. However, the journey was not without turbulence. The company faced crises, operational interruptions, and restarts, consistently reflecting the resilience and spirit of innovation that define it.
The darkest chapter in Lufthansas history is recorded during the period of the Nazi regime, when the company was integrated into its apparatus and played an active role. On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, Lufthansa has chosen to approach this period critically, based on historical research and without limiting the narrative solely to the postwar years. The entire course, from its founding to the collapse of the first Lufthansa, forms an integral part of the companys corporate memory.
Todays Lufthansa was legally founded in 1953, with the re-establishment of the so-called second Lufthansa. In 1955, flight operations resumed and the journey of Deutsche Lufthansa AG began, within a postwar environment that once again demanded boldness and innovation.
The centenary is simultaneously a moment of pride and reflection, as well as a starting point for the companys second century. The anniversary motto We are the Journey encapsulates Lufthansas philosophy: a shared journey of employees, passengers, and friends of the brand that for 100 years has connected people, cultures, and economies.
Special mention is made of the companys employees. Today, 40,000 employees from 122 nationalities work at Lufthansa, while the Group as a whole comprises around 100,000 people from more than 160 countries, forming the core of its long-standing success.
For Lufthansa, 2026 will be a year of experiences. The program includes a permanent exhibition at the Lufthansa Group Hangar One, special events, the publication of a historical book, cinematic and digital productions, celebrations for staff, initiatives for customers, as well as targeted marketing and product campaigns.
The anniversary will be visible to passengers from January, with the special 100 Years of Lufthansa emblem appearing on boarding passes, at airports, and in aircraft cabins. At the same time, a poster campaign in urban centers will tell the companys story through iconic images.
A central role in the celebrations will also be played by the anniversary fleet. Six aircraftincluding Airbus A380, A350-1000, A350-900, A320, and Boeing 747-8will feature special anniversary liveries. Leading the fleet is the new Boeing 787-9 Berlin, recently delivered from the United States and now based in Frankfurt. In parallel, two aircraft will feature retro designs, combining tradition with contemporary aesthetics.
A constant symbol remains Lufthansas iconic crane, designed in 1918 by Otto Firle, which continues to represent the company worldwide and its enduring identity.
