Tourexpi
Lufthansa’s first anniversary aircraft has arrived in
Frankfurt. The brand-new Boeing 787-9, featuring a striking special livery to
mark the 100th anniversary of the airline’s founding, landed on Tuesday at
Germany’s largest airport. Numerous plane spotters, travellers and spectators
gathered to welcome the aircraft, which was delivered from Boeing’s production
facility in Everett, Washington. The Dreamliner, registered D-ABPU and named
“Berlin”, was personally received by the divisional board of Lufthansa Airlines.
A symbolic arrival for the anniversary year
The arrival of the Boeing 787-9 marks a key milestone
in Lufthansa’s preparations for its centenary celebrations in 2026. The
aircraft serves as the first visible ambassador of the anniversary and
highlights the airline’s focus on innovation and fleet modernisation alongside
its historic legacy.
Jens Ritter, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa
Airlines, said: “These are particularly beautiful and unforgettable moments in
our job. It is always special to take delivery of a brand-new aircraft – but
today’s landing of this anniversary Boeing 787-9, with its extraordinary
special livery commemorating the founding of the first ‘Luft Hansa’ 100 years
ago, was even more exciting and fascinating.”
Iconic design unites tradition and future
The Dreamliner, known by its radio call sign “Papa
Uniform”, features an iconic design that blends heritage and forward-looking
ambition. The blue fuselage is dominated by a white XXL crane, whose wings
visually extend into the aircraft’s wings, turning the jet into a flying
anniversary symbol. A “100” is displayed on the left side of the fuselage,
while the inscription “1926 | 2026” appears on the right. An additional “100”
is also visible on the underside of the aircraft.
Six aircraft to form anniversary fleet
Lufthansa will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its
founding in 2026. The airline was established on January 6, 1926, with its
official maiden flight taking place on April 6 of the same year. To mark this
occasion, Lufthansa will deploy a special anniversary fleet comprising six
aircraft. Leading the fleet is the Boeing 787-9, followed by an Airbus A380, an
Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320 and a Boeing 747-8. The
aircraft will be gradually repainted in the anniversary livery, with the full
fleet expected to be completed by autumn 2026.
Entry into scheduled service imminent
The newly delivered Boeing 787-9 will enter scheduled
service for Lufthansa in the coming weeks, allowing passengers to experience
the anniversary design on regular routes well ahead of the official centenary
year.
Image
Credit: © Lufthansa Group
The most interesting news
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

Hilton signs Hilton Garden Inn in Busan, South Korea
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with MS&C Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Garden Inn Busan Gijang in 2028. Located in Gijang, Busan, the hotel is planned to be part of a larger mixed-use development project.
Read the News

Etihad Airways makes Eid al-Adha and Summer Travel easier
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network.
Read the News

To Belize in the off-season with Alaska Airlines
Why this is the best choice explains Ali Wunderman
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc
Read the News

Nayarit's jungle coast redefines luxury travel
In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

Lufthansa Group expands climate protection portfolio
The Lufthansa Group has reshaped its portfolio of climate protection projects and is placing a stronger emphasis on technology-based solutions
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

The Czech capital has maintained its position among the ten most important meeting destinations in the world
Meetings Prague announces statistics for 2025 and unifies tourism branding
Read the News

Enhanced opportunities for British Airways American Express® cardmembers
British Airways American Express® Cardmembers who book with British Airways Holidays using Avios (as a full or part payment), can now redeem their Companion Voucher to receive 25% of these Avios back.
Read the News

In Spain, the year starts with more people employed in the tourism sector
In the first quarter of 2026, there were 146,631 more employees in tourism-related activities than in the same period of 2025.
