The German flag carrier Lufthansa (LH/DLH) is celebrating its centennial in 2026. This milestone is marked by the creation of a special anniversary fleet bearing a celebratory livery. The first aircraft featuring the new livery arrived as an early Christmas gift in Frankfurt on December 23rd, 2025. Throughout 2026, more aircraft will take to the skies wearing the shiny new regalia. The last one out is expected to be Lufthansa’s very first Airbus A350-1000, joining the fleet in October.
The Super Crane design
The commemorative design centers on Lufthansa’s most iconic symbol. The artist Otto Firle created the crane in 1918, and it has been associated with the airline since its founding in 1926. For this special livery, the design team paid homage to the classic emblem by placing it front and center—literally stretching it across the entire fuselage of every aircraft.
All anniversary aircraft features a deep blue fuselage with a white crane whose wings seamlessly blend into the aircraft’s own wings. The centennial is underscored by “100” being painted on the left side and underside of the fuselage. Finally, “1926 | 2026” appears on the right side, commemorating the century since the founding of Deutsche Luft Hansa on January 6th, 1926.
Meet the centennial fleet
Lufthansa has selected six aircraft representing its major sub-fleets to receive the special livery. They are, in order of appearance:
Boeing 787-9 (D-ABPU)
Nicknamed “Berlin,” this Dreamliner (D-ABPU) was the first to receive the anniversary livery and arrived in Frankfurt on December 23rd, 2025. It entered scheduled service on January 20th, 2026, with its inaugural flight to Rio de Janeiro (GIG/SBGL).
Airbus A320neo (D-AING)
The narrowbody representative arrived in Frankfurt on January 19th, 2026, and began operations with a flight to London Heathrow (LHR/EGLL), bringing the anniversary design primarily to European routes. Baptized “Kerpen”, she carries the registration D-AING.
Airbus A350-900 (D-AIXL)
Upcoming arrivals
Airbus A380-800
The superjumbo of superjumbo’s is also getting a paintjob, ensuring the iconic livery graces the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
Boeing 747-8
Fans of the Queen can rest assured that it too will join the anniversary fleet. We are not picking favorites (but this is probably our favorite).
Airbus A350-1000
The first of Lufthansa’s newest A350 variant is anticipated for delivery in October 2026, wearing the centennial colors straight from the factory.
Tracking the fleet
You can follow these special aircraft on Flightradar24 by looking up their registrations or clicking the associated links above. The Boeing 787-9 D-ABPU has already become a favorite among planespotters at Frankfurt Airport, while the A320neo D-AING is now operating regular European services. Operating from Lufthansa’s southernly hub Munich, D-AIXL is utilized on various long-haul routes across the globe.
Again, the complete anniversary fleet is expected to be in service later this fall, giving passengers and aviation fans throughout the year the opportunity to see, perhaps even fly on, these great looking aircraft.
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