FRANKFURT– Lufthansa (LH) has unveiled a striking special livery across multiple aircraft as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 2026. The German flag carrier introduced the commemorative paint scheme on several aircraft types operating from Frankfurt Airport (FRA), highlighting a century of aviation heritage.
The airline has already rolled out the unique design on five aircraft across its fleet, including widebody and narrowbody jets. The initiative reflects Lufthansa’s plan to celebrate its historical legacy while showcasing its modern aircraft operating across Europe and long-haul international routes.
Lufthansa’s Centennial Fleet
Lufthansa has introduced the anniversary livery on five aircraft representing key segments of its fleet. These include the Boeing 747-8, Boeing 787-9, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A350-900, and Airbus A380.
Each aircraft carries a unique registration and represents an important operational group within the airline’s network. The Boeing 747-8 registered as D-ABYN was among the first aircraft to feature the commemorative design.
The Boeing 787-9 with registration D-ABPU also joined the fleet in the anniversary colors shortly after delivery. Lufthansa has similarly painted Airbus A320neo D-AING, Airbus A350-900 D-AIXL, and Airbus A380 D-AIMH in the same special scheme.
The airline expects to add one more aircraft later this year. Lufthansa plans to take delivery of a new Airbus A350-1000, which will also feature the commemorative paint scheme, completing the six-aircraft centennial fleet.
These aircraft will operate across multiple routes, allowing passengers worldwide to see the airline’s anniversary branding during the year-long celebration.
Crane Inspired Design
The special livery prominently highlights Lufthansa’s iconic crane symbol, which has represented the airline for decades. The crane emblem was originally created in 1918 by German designer Otto Firle and remains one of the most recognizable airline logos globally.
The anniversary design features a deep blue fuselage combined with a large white crane graphic that visually blends with the aircraft’s wings. This design creates the effect that the crane’s wings extend into the aircraft’s actual wings.
The aircraft also display the number “100” on the left side of the fuselage to represent the airline’s centennial milestone. On the right side, the markings “1926 / 2026” mark the period between the founding of the original Lufthansa and its hundred-year anniversary.
In addition, the underside of each aircraft includes a stylized “100” logo, ensuring the commemorative branding remains visible even during flight operations and aircraft photography.
Lufthansa’s Historic Anniversary
The centennial celebration marks a significant moment for the airline, which traces its origins to the founding of Deutsche Luft Hansa in 1926. Over the past century, the airline has grown into one of the largest carriers in Europe and a key member of the global aviation industry.
By placing the special livery on multiple aircraft types, Lufthansa highlights both its heritage and its modern fleet strategy.
According to OMAAT, the selection includes flagship aircraft such as the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380, which continue to operate major long-haul routes.
Aviation observers have also noted that the special livery appears particularly striking on the Boeing 747-8 due to the aircraft’s distinctive upper deck design. The large fuselage surface allows the crane artwork to stand out more clearly than on smaller aircraft.
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