Lufthansa’s Fleetwide 100-Year Anniversary Schemes

For aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters, 2026 promises to be an unmissable year for Lufthansa Group. As the airline marks its centenary—100 years since the founding of the original Lufthansa in 1926—it is launching a specially-branded “anniversary fleet” across multiple aircraft types.

We already wrote about the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, D-ABPU, which will be delivered in the new scheme next month. But now, Lufthansa has confirmed the scheme will apear on a range of aircraft types across its fleet.

In this article we’ll walk through the key details: which aircraft are involved, what the new liveries look like, delivery and service entry dates, and what spotters should keep their eyes peeled for.

What’s the Design Concept?

Lufthansa’s special livery celebrates the legacy of the “crane” insignia while embracing a modern fleet. The design elements include:

• A deep blue-coloured fuselage.

• A white crane logo whose wings merge seamlessly into the aircraft wings, creating a flowing visual effect.

• The number “100” prominently featured on the left side of the fuselage, with the inscription “1926 / 2026” on the right side.

• Additionally, the underside of the aircraft will carry the “100” marking—a detail spotters can use when the aircraft is airborne overhead.

• This livery blends heritage and modernity: the historic crane in a fresh, bold wrap that will traverse the global Lufthansa network.

Which Aircraft Types Are Involved?

According to Lufthansa’s announcement, the initial fleet of six aircraft will cover a broad spectrum of types across their long-haul and short/medium-haul operations.

Here’s what we know so far:

• Boeing 787‑9 “Berlin” (Reg. D-ABPU) – Assigned as the lead aircraft for the anniversary livery rollout. Expected to arrive in Frankfurt in December 2025.

• Airbus A380 – Identified as one of the largest type to receive the special paint.

• Airbus A350‑900 – Included in the list, complementing the 787.

• Airbus A350‑1000 – Also listed among the six aircraft types to be treated with the livery. Yet to be delivered.

• Airbus A320 – The smallest aircraft choice, signalling Lufthansa’s intention to take the celebration beyond only long-haul jets.

• Boeing 747‑8 – Completing the six-aircraft roster, looking smart on the Queen of the Skies.

Key Dates for Spotters to Mark

• The first aircraft to wear the special livery is the 787-9 “Berlin” (D-ABPU). This aircraft is expected to arrive in Frankfurt in December 2025, with regular service commencing January 2026.

• The complete anniversary fleet rollout across the six aircraft types is planned to be completed by Autumn 2026.

So for spotters, December 2025 signals the moment the first special-livery Lufthansa aircraft will arrive; the full fleet launch spans into 2026.

For enthusiasts of commercial aviation heritage, airline branding and fleet evolution, Lufthansa’s upcoming 100-year celebration presents a standout opportunity. That “100-year look” flying across multiple types means multiple chase opportunities, spanning from short-haul to long-haul.
If you’re based in Europe (like many of our Airport Spotting readers) or plan to travel to major Lufthansa hubs, now’s the time to pencil in December 2025 and throughout 2026 on your spotting calendar.