Lufthansa’s 100th Anniversary Livery Joins a Growing List of Stunning Centennial Paint Jobs
Are we quietly entering a golden age of airline liveries? With American Airlines debuting its retro-styled Boeing 787 and Delta Air Lines preparing for its own centennial in 2025, airlines worldwide are highlighting their histories. Now Lufthansa steps into the spotlight with a reveal that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.
In 2026, Lufthansa will celebrate 100 years since the founding of the original Deutsche Luft Hansa in 1926. To mark the anniversary, the airline is launching a dedicated “anniversary fleet” that will roll out over the next two years, progressively introducing aircraft showcasing nearly a century of design language, the iconic crane logo, and a modern artistic twist that will make these planes instantly recognizable on the ramp.
A Livery That Marries Past and Future
The new design, revealed on 24 November by the Cologne, Germany-based carrier, features a deep blue fuselage. A sweeping white crane whose wings visually merge with the aircraft’s wings runs along the side. On the left side, a crisp “100” is integrated into the design. On the right side, the years “1926 / 2026” mark the airline’s milestone. A bold “100” also shines on the belly, giving spotters and those on the ground a dramatic view during approach and departure.
Several of Lufthansa’s most important fleet types will wear this celebratory look, with aircraft being painted over the next two years. An Airbus A380, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8 are all scheduled to receive the special livery. Personally, I can’t wait to see the Boeing 747-8 in these colors.
The entire lineup is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
Leading the Charge: The New Boeing 787-9 Berlin
Front and center in the anniversary fleet is Lufthansa’s brand-new Boeing 787-9, named Berlin, carrying the registration D-ABPU. The aircraft received its special livery at Boeing’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina. After painting, it repositioned to Everett, Washington, on 16 November. It is expected to arrive in Frankfurt just before Christmas.
D-ABPU is set to enter scheduled service in January and will serve as the flagship for the 100th anniversary celebration. Its striking crane artwork and anniversary markings turn the Dreamliner into a flying ambassador for one of Europe’s most storied carriers.
A Century of Lufthansa
While the current Lufthansa began operations in 1955, its roots stretch back to the original Deutsche Luft Hansa of 1926. That airline was dissolved in 1951, but the modern Lufthansa inherited its name, branding, and crane icon after adopting the heritage in 1954.
Today, Lufthansa stands as the largest airline group in Europe by revenue and a cornerstone of global aviation. It is a founding member of Star Alliance and operates an extensive network from its hubs in Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC). Across the group, more than 300 subsidiaries span passenger airlines, logistics, consulting, and one of the world’s leading maintenance and overhaul organizations, Lufthansa Technik.
With more than 200 destinations across 74 countries and a fleet of 274 aircraft, a strategic focus on sustainability, and its new Allegris long-haul experience rolling out, Lufthansa continues to blend tradition with innovation in a way that feels distinctly German while remaining admired worldwide.
The Golden Age of Liveries?
In a year filled with milestone anniversaries across the industry, the crane airline has delivered a design that honors its past while looking confidently toward the future.
Spotters will have plenty to look forward to over the next two years as Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary livery rolls out on the different aircraft, as well as the special liveries by American and Delta.
The golden age of aviation may be long gone, but it is quite possible that the golden age of special liveries is upon us.
Happy spotting!
