Lufthansa is preparing to honor its 100th anniversary in 2026 with the introduction of a special livery on six of its planes, each signifying a key subfleet. The inaugural aircraft to don this commemorative livery is a recently delivered Boeing 787-9, designated as D-ABPU. This Dreamliner arrived in Frankfurt on December 23, 2025, after its journey from Paine Field. It is poised to commence commercial operations shortly, although it will initially feature just four business class seats per flight.
The distinctive livery prominently showcases the iconic crane, a representation of Lufthansa’s brand since its beginnings. The design boasts a blue fuselage adorned with a white crane, whose wings seamlessly merge into the plane’s wings, producing a refined and dynamic appearance. The livery also features the numbers “100” and the years “1926 / 2026” on the fuselage, along with a “100” logo located on the underside of the aircraft.
Lufthansa’s CEO Jens Ritter conveyed enthusiasm about the new livery, emphasizing the importance of this occasion as the airline celebrates a century since the establishment of “Luft Hansa.” The design is acclaimed for its abstract yet pronounced integration of the crane, emerging from Lufthansa’s customary livery instead of straying wholly from it.
The incorporation of blue and white in the livery prompts comparisons to Delta’s centenary A350 design, although Lufthansa’s hues remain aligned with its traditional palette. The design also bears resemblances to Riyadh Air’s purple livery, highlighting a striking use of color.
Ultimately, Lufthansa’s centennial livery is regarded as one of the most remarkable special liveries in the airline sector, with intentions for five additional aircraft to showcase this design. While much attention is given to the exterior, there is anticipation that Lufthansa will also prioritize improvements to the interiors of its planes.