COLOGNE- Lufthansa (LH) will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026, celebrating a century since the first Luft Hansa took flight from Frankfurt (FRA) and began building one of the world’s best-known aviation brands.
The milestone highlights Lufthansa (LH) as a global connector of people and economies, with Frankfurt (FRA) and Cologne (CGN) playing central roles in the airline’s historic and current operations.
Lufthansa Completes 100 Years in 2026
Lufthansa traces its roots to 1926, when Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd merged to form the first Luft Hansa.
The airline quickly developed routes across Europe and beyond, building a foundation for modern German aviation. After World War II, operations restarted with the formation of the current Deutsche Lufthansa AG in 1953 and the relaunch of services in 1955.
The airline also openly acknowledges its involvement during the Nazi era and continues to support independent historical review. This balanced approach ensures the centenary reflects both achievement and accountability.
Today, Lufthansa forms the core brand within the Lufthansa Group. Employees from more than 160 nations contribute to daily operations, while the historic crane symbol, first designed in 1918, continues to represent the airline worldwide.
Anniversary Theme: We Are the Journey
The anniversary will use the theme We are the Journey to recognize the shared role of passengers, employees, and partners. Lufthansa views the celebration as a message of appreciation for customer loyalty and staff dedication across generations of travel.
The airline will host exhibitions, films, publications, staff events, and customer experiences throughout 2026. A special 100-year emblem will appear at airports and onboard aircraft.
A dedicated anniversary fleet will feature six aircraft carrying special celebratory liveries. This includes an Airbus A380, Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A320, Boeing 747-8, and the Boeing 787-9 named Berlin.
The 787-9, based at Frankfurt (FRA), will join regular service as part of Lufthansa’s fleet renewal strategy. Two retro-inspired aircraft will also operate as flying tributes to the airline’s past.
Lufthansa views the centenary not only as a historical milestone but as the beginning of its next chapter. The airline continues to invest in quieter, more efficient aircraft and remains focused on responsible growth within global aviation networks.
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