The milestone programme follows the recent delivery of a Boeing 787-9, named “Berlin,” which was unveiled with considerable fanfare and an XXL crane design. Building on that momentum, the airline is now set to receive two more aircraft in the commemorative colours in the coming days.
An Airbus A320neo and an Airbus A350-900 are currently completing final work at paint facilities in Norwich, England, and Châteauroux, France, respectively. Both aircraft showcase Lufthansa’s iconic centenary design, created to mark 100 years of the airline’s history.
Distinctive Anniversary Design
The special livery features a deep blue fuselage highlighted by a white crane, Lufthansa’s long-standing symbol, whose wings flow seamlessly into the aircraft’s wings. A stylised “100” is incorporated on the left side of the fuselage, while the inscription “1926 | 2026” appears on the right, reflecting the airline’s century-long journey. A further “100” is also visible on the underside of the aircraft, ensuring the anniversary message is clearly seen from the ground.
Delivery Timelines and First Routes
The Airbus A320neo, registered D-AING, is scheduled to arrive in Frankfurt on January 19, 2026, after which it will enter regular commercial service. Its inaugural flight in Lufthansa colours will operate to Larnaca, Cyprus.
Meanwhile, the Airbus A350-900, carrying the registration D-AIXL, is expected to be delivered to Munich on February 3, 2026, further strengthening Lufthansa’s long-haul fleet during the anniversary year.
The previously delivered Boeing 787-9, registered D-ABPU and bearing the nickname “Papa Uniform,” landed in Frankfurt on December 23. It is set to begin regular service on January 20, 2026, with its first commercial flight operating to Mumbai, India. As a flying ambassador for Lufthansa’s centenary, the aircraft is expected to attract attention from passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike across the airline’s international network.
More Aircraft to Join Anniversary Fleet
Lufthansa says the addition of these aircraft underscores the importance of its 100th anniversary celebrations. The airline has confirmed that by autumn 2026, three more aircraft will be repainted in the special centenary livery—an Airbus A380, a Boeing 747-8, and the airline’s first Airbus A350-1000, which is expected to be delivered in October.
Together, the growing anniversary fleet is designed to symbolise Lufthansa’s heritage, global reach, and future ambitions as it marks a century of commercial aviation.