The Lufthansa centenary celebrations are gathering pace as the airline expands its special anniversary fleet with two newly painted aircraft: an Airbus A320neo and an Airbus A350‑900.
Both jets have emerged from paint shops in Norwich and Châteauroux, respectively, carrying the striking “XXL crane” livery created to mark the airline’s 100th birthday.
The additions follow the debut of the Boeing 787‑9 “Berlin,” the first aircraft to receive the commemorative design.
The Dreamliner, registered D‑ABPU and nicknamed “Papa Uniform,” recently completed its first long‑haul service from Frankfurt to Mumbai, showcasing the bold new look to passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike.
The Anniversary Livery with Lufthansa…
The anniversary livery is one of the most distinctive in Lufthansa’s modern history.
The fuselage is painted in deep blue, over which a large white crane stretches across the aircraft, its wings blending seamlessly into the aircraft’s own.
A prominent “100” is integrated on the left side of the fuselage, while the right side displays the dates “1926 2026,” a nod to the airline’s founding and its centennial year.
A further “100” is painted on the underside, ensuring the milestone is visible from the ground as the aircraft departs or arrives.
These aircraft form part of a broader “anniversary fleet” that Lufthansa began unveiling in late 2025.
The airline previously confirmed that six aircraft across its major sub‑fleets would receive the special livery, including the Boeing 787‑9, Airbus A380, Airbus A350‑1000, Airbus A350‑900, Airbus A320, and Boeing 747‑8.
The intention is to ensure that passengers across Lufthansa’s global network encounter at least one aircraft wearing the centennial colours during 2026.
The arrival of the A320neo and A350‑900 marks the next phase of this rollout, with three more aircraft expected to join the anniversary fleet by autumn 2026.
Honouring the 100-Year Heritage…
For Lufthansa, the project is as much about honouring its heritage as it is about projecting its future.
The airline has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, modernising its fleet, refreshing its brand identity, and expanding its long‑haul network.
The centenary provides an opportunity to celebrate that evolution while reaffirming the crane as one of aviation’s most recognisable symbols.
The 100‑year celebrations extend far beyond aircraft liveries.
Lufthansa has been marking the milestone with a series of events, exhibitions, and digital campaigns designed to highlight its history and cultural impact.
These include special anniversary flights, heritage‑themed onboard experiences, and the release of archival material showcasing the airline’s evolution from its 1926 origins to its present‑day role as Europe’s largest airline group.
The airline has also leaned into nostalgia, revisiting classic design elements and celebrating key moments in its operational history.
At the same time, it has used the centenary to spotlight its future ambitions, including sustainability initiatives, fleet renewal programmes, and the introduction of new cabin products across long‑haul aircraft.
The anniversary fleet, however, remains the most visible symbol of the celebrations.
Spotters Await It’s Arrival…
Spotters across Europe have already begun tracking the movements of the 787‑9 “Berlin,” and the arrival of the A320neo and A350‑900 in their new colours is expected to generate similar enthusiasm.
With each aircraft featuring the same bold crane motif, the fleet serves as a flying tribute to a century of German aviation.
As Lufthansa moves deeper into its centennial year, the airline is balancing reflection with reinvention.
The special liveries capture that duality: a celebration of the past, painted onto the aircraft that will carry the airline into its next century.
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