Lufthansa: The First 100 Years

This richly illustrated volume presents the first comprehensive account of Lufthansa’s one-hundred-year history—from its pioneering beginnings in 1926 and its role during the National Socialist era to its postwar recovery and rise as a global player in aviation.

Based on newly accessed sources and materials from the company’s archives, this work offers a compelling narrative of Lufthansa’s development—set against the backdrop of Germany’s turbulent twentieth century. Political, economic, and technological contexts are explored alongside the company’s evolving brand identity, characterized by consistently innovative design.
The book provides insight into landmark aircraft, key developments in engineering and global reach, and the day-to-day operations that shaped the airline’s direction. With rare photographs, vintage advertising material and internal documents, this volume combines historical insight with visual richness. Special production features such as fold-out pages further enhance the reading experience.
A must-have for aviation enthusiasts, design lovers, and all those interested in the history of aviation.

HARTMUT BERGHOFF is Director of the Institute for Economic and Social History at the University of Gottingen. From 2008 to 2015, he was Director of the German Historical Institute in Washington D.C. 

MANFRED GRIEGER is honorary professor at the University of Gottingen with a research focus on corporate history and the Third Reich. 

JÖRG LESCZENSKI is a member of the academic staff at Gesellschaft fur Unternehmensgeschichte mbH. He has contributed to countless publications on economic history.