Lufthansa

A comprehensive history of Lufthansa charts its evolution from postwar rebuilding to global leadership, detailing routes, aircraft, challenges, and landmark milestones shaping modern aviation.

Germany’s national flag carrier, Lufthansa, celebrates its centenary in 2026, one of a handful of airlines worldwideto reach that milestone. Although the current airline was founded in 1955, the company can trace its history back to the beginnings of aviation. In this comprehensive account, author Andreas Spaeth reviews Lufthansa’s history from its early origins to the present day.

Every significant shift in the company’s evolution is discussed, from its early growth, routes and aircraft type acquisition to being commandeered as an agency by the government during World War Two, and its subsequent liquidation at war’s end. Rebuilding in 1955, the company overcame restrictions to regain control of the skies above West Germany, going on to dominate national and regional European aviation and take its place on the world stage.

Among the many high points for the company was the opportunity to be the launch customer for the Boeing 737, ultimately fast-forwarding the Jet Age for so many people. Alongside its considerable growth has been a series of worldwide challenges from the political and economic to natural disasters and latterly the Covid pandemic, which effectively grounded aviation.