06/01/2026
January 6, 1926. In Berlin, a new airline brand was born: the first “Luft Hansa,” created through the merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd. That moment is the reason Lufthansa marks its centennial today.
Just three months later, on April 6, 1926, Lufthansa’s first aircraft took off on its maiden flight, kicking off a story that would span breakthroughs, setbacks, and multiple “new beginnings” over the next century. Lufthansa also notes that today’s company traces its legal roots to the “second Lufthansa,” reestablished in 1953, with flight operations restarting in 1955.
For 2026, Lufthansa says the anniversary will be visible in a big way, including a special six aircraft anniversary fleet, led by a Boeing 787 9 wearing an oversized crane design. The airline is also using the milestone to reflect on its history under the motto “We are the Journey.”
