Lufthansa’s history traces all the way back to the 1920s. Currently, the German-based airline is one of the leading airlines in Europe and globally.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this leading German airline. In no particular order, here are 20 key facts about Lufthansa, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
1. The original Lufthansa was born in the 1920s
Lufthansa’s history traces back to 1926 when Deutsche Luft Hansa was born.
However, this airline – which was Germany’s national flag carrier – was liquidated following World War II because of its association with the Nazis.
2. The current Lufthansa was founded in the 1950s
Aktiengesellschaft für Luftverkehrsbedarf (Luftag) was formed in 1953, as Germany looked to establish a new national carrier. It even employed staff from the defunct Deutsche Luft Hansa.
The following year, Luftag acquired the Deutsche Luft Hansa name, trademark, and colors. The airline has been called Lufthansa ever since.
3. National flag carrier
Lufthansa is the national flag carrier of Germany.
The airline has been the national flag carrier of Germany since the 1950s.
4. Who owns Lufthansa?
Lufthansa is owned by the Lufthansa Group. In 2023, the Lufthansa Group revealed it had 96,677 employees, owned 241 subsidiaries, and generated a total revenue of over 35 billion euros.
5. Lufthansa’s headquarters is located in a major German city
The headquarters of Lufthansa is located at Venloer Straße 151-153 50672 in Cologne, Germany.
6. The Lufthansa Group has many subsidiaries
In addition to Lufthansa, the Lufthansa Group also owns airlines such as Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and SWISS.
7. The airline is a part of a major airline alliance
Lufthansa has been a part of the Star Alliance since May 1997.
The airline was a founding member of the alliance.
8. Lufthansa has a frequent flyer scheme
The airline’s frequent flyer program is called Miles & More.
Launched in 1993, the scheme members to earn miles on flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other purchases.
Miles & More also offers different levels of status, depending on flying habits, including Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle Member.
9. The airline’s key hubs are in two major German cities
Lufthansa’s main hubs are at Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport.
10. Lufthansa has a fleet of over 300 aircraft
According to the Lufthansa Group’s official website, the airline, along with its regional partners Lufthansa City Airlines and Lufthansa CityLine, operates a fleet of 326 aircraft.
The fleet includes a wide variety of models such as the Airbus A380-800s, Boeing 747-8I, Boeing 747-400, Airbus A340-600, Airbus A350-900, Boeing 787-9, Airbus A340-300, Airbus A330-300, Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321-100/200, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A320-200, Airbus A319-100, Embraer 190, and Bombardier CRJ900.
11. Lufthansa is the largest operator of the Boeing 747-8I
Lufthansa is one of just a few airlines operating the Boeing 747-8I.
The airline currently has 19 in its fleet, making it the largest operator of this aircraft type.
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12. The airline serves over 200 destinations
Lufthansa serves destinations in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia.
13. Lufthansa offers an “Economy Lite” fare on its long-haul flights
Making long-haul travel more affordable, Lufthansa offers an “Economy Lite” fare.
The ticket includes only a carry-on bag. The fare also has no flexibility. Meanwhile, meals and drinks are still free of charge on board.
14. The airline has received numerous awards over the years
Lufthansa has won numerous awards over the years, including being awarded the “Best Airline in Europe” in 2017, 2018, and 2018 by Skytrax, the independent airline rating agency.
15. Lufthansa co-founded Amadeus
In 1987, Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia, and SAS founded Amadeus, the global distribution system for the travel and tourism industry.
16. Operated over 18,000 flights to keep airport slots during the pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported that many airlines were operating unnecessary flights – including empty flights – to retain airport slots under EU rules.
Lufthansa said it operated over 18,000 unnecessary flights during the winter of 2021.
17. The airline was downgraded to a 4-star airline by Skytrax
In 2018, Lufthansa was recognized as a 5-star airline by Skytrax, he international air transport rating organization.
However, the airline lost its 5-star rating in 2022.
18. The Lufthansa logo, an encircled stylized crane in flight, was first created for Germany’s first airline
Lufthansa’s logo, which was created by Otto Firle in 1918, was initially designed for Deutsche Luft-Reederei – the first German-based airline.
The design can now be seen on the tails of Lufthansa’s aircraft.
19. Lufthansa sponsored Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt
In 2014, Eintracht Frankfurt signed a five-year sponsorship deal with Lufthansa.
Although the airline no longer sponsors the German club, it does have an ongoing partnership with the German Football Association.
20. The airline has several codeshare agreements
Lufthansa’s codeshare partners include carriers such as Air Canada, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, LATAM, LOT Polish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.
Codeshares are arrangements allowing airlines to sell tickets under their own flight numbers for flights operated by other carriers.
This article was updated on October 9, 2024.
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