Today, German flag carrier Lufthansa is celebrating its 100th anniversary. However, those familiar with the life and times of the Cologne-based 
Star Alliance founding member might like to point out that the airline, in its current form, has only existed since the mid-1950s. In truth, the story of Lufthansa’s centenary is a complicated one, but also one well worth exploring in order to understand how the airline got to where it is today.
In short, the German flag carrier has chosen today to mark its centenary celebrations, as January 6, 2026, marks exactly 100 years since the foundation of the first airline to bear the 
Lufthansa name and, thus, the furthest point back to which its roots can be traced. Let’s examine the story so far.
100 Years Of Aviation History
As Lufthansa explained in a recently released statement, 100 years ago today, on January 6, 1926, an airline known as Deutsche Luft Hansa was founded in Berlin following “the merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd.” This carrier was a pioneer of German aviation during the interwar era, but, among the turning tides of German politics in the 1930s and 1940s, became an active part of the Nazi regime not long after.
Keen to reflect on the lessons of the past, today’s German flag carrier describes this period as “the darkest chapter in Lufthansa’s history,” but also one that it is willing to critically examine and learn from. After the Second World War, Deutsche Luft Hansa ceased operations at the start of the 1950s amid the Allied occupation of Germany. This was one of many challenges that the airline has overcome during its 100 years, as Lufthansa explains:
“The anniversary is a tribute to the guests who have accompanied Lufthansa through a century of challenges, changes, and progress. Without their loyalty and trust, Lufthansa’s success story would not have been possible.”
Post-War Growth
Despite this setback, it wasn’t long before the Lufthansa name would be back in the air, this time as a one-word affair. Following its formation as the ‘Aktiengesellschaft für Luftverkehrsbedarf’ in 1953, the new German flag carrier commenced operations in 1955 as Lufthansa, having been able to acquire the former airline’s name and logo. Initially flying domestically, Lufthansa soon expanded internationally within Europe, and then beyond.
Indeed, as Lufthansa notes, before the 1950s were over, the reformed German flag carrier had already succeeded in launching long-haul flights to destinations such as New York, with the onset of the ‘jet age’ in the 1960s further catalyzing its growth in the latter part of the 20th century. A key milestone came in 1989, when, for the first time since 1945, and in a show of newfound German unity, a Lufthansa aircraft touched down in Berlin.
The last 100 years have seen their fair share of turbulence, with Lufthansa having to overcome hijackings, oil crises, the fallout of 9/11, recessions, and COVID-19. However, these have been offset by milestones such as the introduction of business class, integrated rail ticketing, and the formation of the Star Alliance, with Lufthansa now preparing for “a bold look into the future and the beginning of the company’s second century” in 2026.
In Photos: Up Close With Lufthansa’s New “100 Year” Boeing 787
An early Christmas present for the German flag carrier.
This Year’s Centenary Celebrations
As pictured above, one of the most visually conspicuous ways that Lufthansa is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year is through a special livery featuring a dark blue fuselage. Initially revealed in September on a Boeing 787, Lufthansa has since confirmed that this paint scheme will also be applied to the Airbus A320, A350-900, A350-1000, A380, and Boeing 747-8. It has also restored two vintage aircraft for display as part of the fun.
The German flag carrier has chosen ‘We are the Journey’ as the motto for its centenary celebrations this year, which it says “highlights the shared journey of employees, passengers, and fans of the brand.” Lufthansa also plans to mark its 100th anniversary with “special events, a history book, film and video productions, employee celebrations, customer events, as well as marketing and product campaigns” throughout the coming year.”
