Lufthansa has officially welcomed a landmark addition to its long-haul fleet with the arrival of a specially painted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Frankfurt Airport, marking the airline’s upcoming 100th anniversary. The aircraft is the first to feature a unique commemorative livery designed to celebrate a century of German aviation history ahead of Lufthansa’s centenary in 2026.
A ‘Flying Ambassador’ Takes to the Skies
Built and delivered by Boeing from its Everett, Washington facility, the Dreamliner carries the registration D-ABPU and has been named Berlin, continuing Lufthansa’s long-standing tradition of naming aircraft after cities and regions.
The jet will serve as the flagship aircraft of Lufthansa’s anniversary fleet. The aircraft features a deep-blue fuselage complemented by a bold white crane emblem, Lufthansa’s iconic symbol. The crane’s wings are designed to visually merge with the aircraft’s wings, transforming the jet into what the airline describes as a “flying ambassador.”
Distinctive anniversary markings further set the aircraft apart. Large “100” numerals appear on the left side of the fuselage, while the dates “1926 | 2026” are displayed on the right. An additional “100” has been placed on the underside of the aircraft, making the celebration visible to passengers and aviation enthusiasts on the ground.
Six Aircraft to Join Anniversary Fleet
The Boeing 787-9 Berlin is the first of six aircraft scheduled to receive the commemorative livery as part of Lufthansa’s centenary celebrations.
Over the coming months and through fall 2026, the airline plans to roll out the special design across a diverse mix of aircraft, including an Airbus A380, Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8.
The Dreamliner is expected to enter regular service in the coming weeks, offering passengers a chance to experience the anniversary aircraft firsthand.
Lufthansa’s Fleet Renewal and Future Focus
Lufthansa ordered the Boeing 787-9 in March 2023 as part of its broader fleet renewal strategy, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
“These are the particularly beautiful and unforgettable moments in our job. It’s always a special moment to take delivery of a brand-new aircraft – but today’s landing of this anniversary Boeing 787-9, with its extraordinary special livery marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first ‘Luft Hansa’, was even more exciting and fascinating,” said Jens Ritter, chief executive officer of Lufthansa Airlines.
Have you spotted Lufthansa’s anniversary Dreamliner yet? Share your thoughts and tell us what this milestone means for the future of global aviation.
