To mark Lufthansa’s 100th founding anniversary, the world’s largest passenger aircraft now also shines in a special blue design.Yesterday evening, the Airbus A380 landed at Munich Airport under flight number LH9901. It came from Shannon, Ireland, where it had been painted with an XXL crane and the lettering โ1926 | 2026โ and โ100.โ
35 colleagues worked on the Airbus A380 for exactly 34 days. They brought the 47-meter-long stylized crane on the aircraft to life and painted a total area of over 4,000 square meters. That is equivalent to about 16 tennis courts. The Airbus with the registration D-AIMH will start regular service in March.
The Airbus A380 is already the fourth aircraft to feature this extraordinary design. At the beginning of the month, a freshly painted blue Airbus A350-900 landed in Munich. A Boeing 787-9 and an Airbus A320neo, both based in Frankfurt, are also flying in the โ100th anniversary colors.โ Tomorrow, Friday, another Airbus A320neo with an XXL crane is expected in Munich.
A Boeing 747-8 and an Airbus A350-1000 will follow in the coming weeks. A total of seven special liveries will then be in service to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first โLuft Hansaโ. The aircraft will receive the special design either as part of a regular repainting program or, in the case of new deliveries, as their initial paint job at the factory. This means that there will be only minimal additional costs for this special fleet appearancein Lufthansa’s anniversary year.
ONTARIO, Calif., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ontario International Airport (ONT) today unveiled a striking new monument sign at Archibald Avenue and Airport Drive, marking a powerful visual statement of the airport’s transformation and its continued momentum as it celebrates a decade of local control.
Alan Wapner (second from right), President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners, and Curt Hagman, Vice President of the Board, unveil the new monument sign at ONT.The new monument sign at Southern California’s Ontario International Airport.
The new monument replaces a narrow, understated sign that had greeted visitors since 1998 and ushers in a bold, modern landmark that reflects the renewed energy, pride and ambition of Southern California’s fastest-growing airport. Featuring the iconic “ONT” airport code in towering letters backed by sculpted mountain forms inspired by the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, the monument creates an unmistakable sense of arrival for travelers and visitors alike.
“For nearly three decades, our gateway sign quietly faded into the background,” said Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners. “Today, we proudly unveil a monument that unmistakably declares who we are and where we are headed. This landmark reflects the power of local ownership and stands as a bold statement of ONT’s transformation โone that reaffirms our role as a premier Southern California and international gateway.”
Standing approximately 12 feet tall, each of the three “ONT” letters is crafted from durable sheet metal, with the full installation weighing more than eight tons. The monument stretches roughly 60 feet across at its widest point, anchored by a deep concrete foundation that ensures its permanence for generations to come. A series of LED light bars will illuminate the sign at night, with the ability to change colors for holidays, special events and community celebrations.
The unveiling comes as Ontario International Airport continues its yearlong celebration of the Decade of Local Control, which culminates this November, marking 10 years since ownership of the airport transferred to local leadership on November 1, 2016. That transition ignited a period of unprecedented growth, customer-focused innovation and regional economic impact, firmly reestablishing ONT as Southern California’s gateway of choice.
Designed and fabricated by Ontario-based Sign Industries, the monument reflects a close collaboration between airport leadership and local creative partners. The mountain backdrop is composed of multiple modular sections assembled on site, mirroring the layered peaks of the San Gabriel range and reinforcing ONT’s strong sense of place.
For visitors entering the airport campus, the new monument now delivers an unmistakable message: Ontario International Airport is no longer hidden in plain sight. It stands boldly as a source of regional pride and a beacon of the airport’s continued ascent.
Delivered FY25 diluted earnings per share of $10.20 up 8% year-over-year; adjusted diluted earnings per share1 of $10.62 up year-over-year and expects to be the only U.S. airline to grow adjusted EPS1 for FY25
Q4 diluted earnings per share of $3.19; adjusted diluted earnings per share1 of $3.10 โ within initial guidance range of $3.00 to $3.50
Q4 revenue of $15.4 billion was the highest quarterly revenue in United history and highest quarterly unit revenue for 2025
Flew a record 181 million passengers and ranked #2 in on-time departures for the year, with the lowest seat cancellation rate in company history
United continues to win brand-loyal customers with new and updated aircraft and investments in infrastructure and technology
Eclipsed 5,000 peak daily flights in summer 2025 and grew faster than any other U.S. airline in 2025 while setting a fourth-quarter company record for Net Promoter Score, including United’s highest-ever monthly NPS in November despite the government shutdown
CHICAGO, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines (UAL) today reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results that exceeded Wall Street expectations and were within guidance. The airline’s diluted earnings per share of $10.20 and adjusted diluted earnings per share1 of $10.62 for 2025 rose versus 2024.
The company delivered full-year pre-tax earnings of $4.3 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 7.3%, and adjusted pre-tax earnings1 of $4.6 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin1 of 7.8%. Total operating revenue for the year grew 3.5% year-over-year to $59.1 billion โ the highest in United history. The company generated $8.4 billion of operating cash flow and $2.7 billion in free cash flow1 in 2025, and expects to generate a similar level of free cash flow2 in 2026.
“Our results are built on winning more and more brand-loyal customers โ it’s clear they get the most value flying United,” said CEO Scott Kirby. “This was the highest-revenue quarter in United’s history and the highest quarterly RASM of the year providing strong revenue momentum that is continuing into 2026.”
Customers continue to benefit from United’s growing, reliable operation. United canceled flights at the lowest per-seat rate among U.S. network airlines in 2025 while flying the largest mainline schedule in the airline’s history, carrying an average of more than 496,000 passengers daily. United’s 303 daily widebody departures in 2025 were the most in its history. United Express logged 134 days without a single cancellation during 2025, and Connection Saver saved more than one million potential missed connections during the year, a 42% increase over 2024.
United delivered strong fourth-quarter results despite challenges such as the government shutdown, as brand-loyal customers chose the United experience. Compared to the year ago period, diverse revenue sources continued to grow: premium revenue was up 9% for the fourth quarter and 11% for the full year, loyalty revenue was up 10% for the fourth quarter and 9% for the full year, and revenue from Basic Economy grew 7% for the fourth quarter and 5% for the full year. Strong revenue momentum has continued into 2026. The week ending January 4th was the highest flown revenue week in United history, and the week ending January 11th was the highest ticketing week and the highest week for business sales in United history.
The government shutdown in November provided an opportunity to do the right thing by our customers and further build their trust. United offered all customers a full refund โ even if their flights weren’t canceled โ and aggressively promoted that policy in customer communications including on a dedicated page on the corporate website, and within contact centers. Customers noticed: November was United’s highest-ever monthly Net Promoter Score. Our customer-first policies, combined with the impact to bookings and costs, led to an approximately $250 million impact to pre-tax earnings in the quarter.
Fast and free for MileagePlusยฎ members, Starlink Wi-Fi is now installed on nearly all of the dual-cabin United Express fleet, more than 300 aircraft, with completion expected later this month. Starlink installations have begun on mainline aircraft and are expected to accelerate rapidly during 2026.
In 2026 United plans to enhance the customer experience as it plans to take delivery of over 100 narrowbody aircraft and approximately 20 Boeing 787 aircraft โ more widebody aircraft in a year than any U.S. passenger airline since 1988. United plans to use these new aircraft to profitably expand its network, including its industry-leading international routes and growing domestic network. The airline also plans on making significant airport upgrades at its Washington Dulles and Houston hubs.
Fourth-Quarter Financial Results
Capacity up 6.5% compared to fourth-quarter 2024.
Total operating revenue of $15.4 billion, up 4.8% compared to fourth-quarter 2024.
Total Revenue Per Available Seat Mile (TRASM)ย down (1.6)% compared to fourth-quarter 2024.
CASM down (0.3)%, and CASM-ex1ย up 0.4%, compared to fourth-quarter 2024.
Pre-tax earnings of $1.3 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 8.6%; adjusted pre-tax earnings1ย of $1.3 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin1ย of 8.5%.
Impact from the government shutdown was approximately $250 million of pre-tax earnings in the fourth-quarter 2025.
Net income of $1 billion; adjusted net income1ย of $1 billion.
Diluted earnings per share of $3.19; adjusted diluted earnings per share1ย of $3.10.
Average fuel price per gallon of $2.49.
Repurchased $29 million of shares in the fourth quarter 2025.
Full-Year Financial Results
Pre-tax earnings of $4.3 billion, with a pre-tax margin of 7.3%; adjusted pre-tax earnings1ย of $4.6 billion, with an adjusted pre-tax margin1ย of 7.8%.
Net income of $3.4 billion; adjusted net income1ย of $3.5 billion.
Diluted earnings per share of $10.20; adjusted diluted earnings per share1ย of $10.62.
Ending available liquidity3ย of $15.2 billion.
Total debt, including finance lease obligations and other financial liabilities of $25 billion at year end.
Net leverage4ย of 2.2x.
Generated $8.4 billion of operating cash flow.
Generated $2.7 billion of free cash flow1.
Repurchased $640 million of shares in full year 2025.
Key Highlights
Operated the largest mainline schedule in company history in the fourth quarter and full year, carrying an average of over 496,000 passengers daily and averaging 303 widebody departures per day in 2025. United achieved its lowest seat cancel rate in history and had the lowest seat cancel rate of large network U.S. carriers.
In 2025 United added 82 new aircraft and updated 119 aircraft to its Signature Interior, bringing the total to 68% of its narrowbody fleet. The NPS for United’s Signature Interior is 10 points higher than on previous interiors.
United continued to expand premium offerings throughout 2025, with a record-high 27.4 million premium seats across its fleet, accounting for 12% of all flown seats in 2025. The airline announced United Elevated, its newest interior for the Boeing 787-9, featuring new United Polaris Studioโ suites that are 25% larger than United Polarisยฎ with privacy doors, ottoman for companions, 27-inch screens, and exclusive food and beverage offerings to elevate premium air travel, expected to be available in 2026.
Connection Saver saved more than one million potential missed connections in 2025, a 42% increase over 2024.
United and its leaders were recognized with more than 70 awards in 2025 for its industry-leading performance in customer experience, innovation, company culture and employment, including being named to Forbes’ 2026 list of America’s Best Companies and Newsweek’s America’s Most Trustworthy Companies.
Customer Experience
Achieved the highest fourth-quarter customer satisfaction score in United history as measured by Net Promoter Score, including its best November NPS ever, despite the government shutdown. For the full year, United achieved its highest NPS since 2022 among on-time passengers, including a seven-point increase in the check-in experience thanks to United’s investments in the lobby experience, improved kiosks and the United mobile app.
In May, announced United’s Blue Sky collaboration with JetBlue, and launched the ability to book across both airlines with miles in October 2025, with the ability to book with money expected in early 2026.
United announced its new MileagePlus Debit Rewards Card in November, offering additional ways to earn miles through spending and saving.
Launched a collaboration with ride-share app Lyft in the fourth quarter, allowing MileagePlus members to earn up to four miles per dollar spent on eligible rides.
During 2025, United enhanced its app with new features including a bag-tracking redesign, live activities on the day of travel, and additional connection information. By the fourth quarter, 85% of customers used the United app on their day of travel. More than half of customers who experienced a cancellation in the fourth quarter effectively resolved their issue using self-service and automated tools.
During 2025 United opened its fourth United Clubโ location in Denver and the second Club Fly location in Houston. Additionally, United re-opened a 50% larger United Polaris lounge at Chicago O’Hare and opened a new dining room at Newark’s Polaris Lounge for an improved premium international travel experience.
United brought TSA PreCheck Touchless ID to Washington Dulles and Houston and expanded usage in San Francisco and Chicago O’Hare in the fourth quarter for a more efficient customer experience. More than 3.5 million customers used this expedited feature in 2025.
United upgraded the inflight entertainment experience for customers by adding more than 450 hours of Spotify audio and video content and award-winning, hit series from Apple TV for free on 150,000+ seatback screens. The airline achieved its highest inflight entertainment customer satisfaction scores among on-time passengers.
Operations
United Expressยฎ had a record-setting year, with 134 days of zero cancellations.
United’s operation at Chicago O’Hare in 2025 outperformed its largest competitor for on-time arrival rates and a lower cancellation rate.
In the fourth quarter, began operating out of the fifth additional gate at Chicago O’Hare assigned by the City of Chicago.
Finalized deployment of updated check-in kiosks at all stations in 2025 for a more efficient check-in process, cutting an average of one minute per customer for tasks such as check-in, bag check and boarding pass printing.
United purchased blended sustainable aviation fuel for use at Houston, Newark, and Washington Dulles airports in 2025, growing its SAF use to six hubs.
Network
United carried more than 181 million revenue passengers in 2025, beginning service on 29 domestic and Canadian routes and adding 13 new international destinations to its industry-leading network.
United continued to expand its industry-leading international network in 2025 including new flights that made it the only U.S. airline to serve Bangkok, Thailand; Adelaide, Australia; Tepic, Mexico; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Announced plans to inaugurate service to Bari, Italy; Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Glasgow, Scotland; and Split, Croatia in 2026. United also plans new routes from Newark to Seoul, South Korea; and Washington-Dulles to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Employees, Communities and Investments
Together with MileagePlus members, United donated nearly 32 million miles to non-profit organizations around the world in the fourth quarter, including organizations providing relief to areas affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan and Hurricane Melissa.
In the fourth quarter, United carried 85 tons of aid and mobilized nearly 400 responders, providing $1.3 million in transportation savings to 49 NGOs globally, in addition to supporting 22 response and recovery programs in 14 countries including regions impacted by Hurricane Melissa and the Pacific Northwest floods. United also provided $225,000 to local food bank partners during the quarter.
More than 10,000 United employees volunteered more than 33,000 hours in 2025 through their business resource groups for employee development and community.
In 2025, United grew its Special Olympics Service Ambassador program to six of its hubs, with 24 active ambassadors supporting customers.
United Airlines Ventures, which invests in start-ups developing innovative technologies advancing the aviation industry, announced investments in aerospace companies JetZero and AstroMechanica and travel experience and customer engagement companies Dfinitiv and Mindtrip.
Earnings Call
UAL will hold a conference call to discuss fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results, as well as its financial and operational outlook for the first-quarter 2026 and beyond, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. CST/10:30 a.m. EST. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available at ir.united.com. The webcast will be available for replay within 24 hours of the conference call and then archived on the website.
SMYRNA, Tenn., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Contour Airlines is excited to announce new seasonal nonstop service from the City of Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) to Pensacola International Airport (PNS), starting May 6, 2026. This new route expands Contour’s growing seasonal network and provides travelers with convenient nonstop access to the Florida Gulf Coast during the peak spring and summer travel season.
Contour Airlines ERJ-135
This seasonal service strengthens regional connectivity while offering a comfortable and reliable travel experience. Flights will operate on Contour’s 30-seat regional jet, featuring extra legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages, and one free checked bag with every fare.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding service to Pensacola and to make nonstop travel to the Gulf Coast accessible for Cape Girardeau residents,” said Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines. “Whether traveling for a beach getaway or business, passengers can enjoy a stress-free experience without having to drive to a larger airport.”
Flight Schedule:
Destination
Destination
Departure Time
Arrival Time
Frequency
CGI
PNS
8:45 am
10:30 am
Wednesdays & Saturdays
PNS
CGI
11:10 am
12:55 pm
Wednesdays & Saturdays
“Adding nonstop service to Pensacola is a testament to our region’s growing demand for convenient, affordable air travel, and Contour’s commitment to meeting it,” said JoJo Stuart, City of Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Manager. “This route makes CGI one of the only regional airports offering three destinations, strengthening connectivity, supporting local economic growth, and reinforcing Cape Girardeau’s position as a true travel hub for Southeast Missouri.”
Pensacola International Airport officials also expressed enthusiasm for the new service. “We’re excited to welcome Contour Airlines’ new seasonal nonstop service connecting Pensacola and Cape Girardeau,” said Matt Coughlin, Executive Director of Pensacola International Airport. “This route creates new travel opportunities for passengers in both communitiesโmaking it easier for Northwest Florida residents to access southeastern Missouri, while also welcoming visitors to Pensacola’s beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and growing business community. We’re proud to continue strengthening regional connectivity through strategic airline partnerships like Contour”.
Following the successful delivery of the Boeing 787-9, christened โBerlinโ and featuring an impressive XXL crane, Lufthansa is expecting two more aircraft in the special 100th anniversary livery. In the coming days, an Airbus A320neo and an Airbus A350-900 will leave the paint shops in Norwich, England, and Chรขteauroux, France: both aircraft feature the iconic anniversary design.
The blue fuselage is adorned with a white crane whose wings merge into the wings. Next to the crane, a โ100โ is integrated on the left side of the fuselage and the lettering โ1926 | 2026โ on the right side. A โ100โ can also be seen on the underside of the aircraft.
The A320neo D-AING is expected to arrive in Frankfurt on January 19, 2026, and will then enter regular service. Its first flight will take it to Larnaca, Cyprus.
The A350-900 with the registration D-AIXL is currently expected to arrive in Munich on February 3, 2026.
The Boeing 787-9 โPapa Uniformโ (D-ABPU), which landed in Frankfurt on December 23, will also begin regular service on January 20, 2026. Its first flight will take it to Mumbai, India. As a flying ambassador for the anniversary year, it will delight passengers and plane spotters worldwide on international routes.
These aircraft further expand the โanniversary fleetโ and underscore the significance of this special year for Lufthansa. By fall 2026, three more aircraft will be painted with the special design: an Airbus A380, a Boeing 747-8, and the first Airbus A350-1000 delivered to Lufthansa, which is expected to arrive in October.
In 2026, Lufthansa marks a major milestone: on January 6, 1926, 100 years ago, the first โLuft Hansaโ was founded, and by April 6 of the same year, it had its maiden flight. This anniversary is not only a reflection on the history of one of aviationโs most iconic brands but also a significant step into the future. It honors the pioneering spirit, innovation, and connection of people, cultures, and economies that Lufthansa has shaped for a century.
The story begins with the founding of the first Lufthansa, formed through the merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd. This fusion laid the foundation for a success story in international aviation that continues to this day. However, the journey was not always smooth. Lufthansaโs history is marked by challenges, interruptions, and new beginnings, showcasing the companyโs resilience and relentless spirit of innovation.
The darkest chapter in Lufthansaโs history was during the Nazi era, when the airline became part of the regime and played an active role within it. Lufthansa is using its 100th anniversary as an opportunity to critically examine its involvement during this time and further address it based on historical research. In reflecting on its history, Lufthansa does not limit itself to the post-war chapters. The years from its founding to the downfall of the first Lufthansa are equally part of the companyโs story.
With the re-establishment of the โsecond Lufthansaโ in 1953, the legal foundation of todayโs Lufthansa was created. Once again, great pioneering spirit was required to embark on a fresh start after the war. In 1955, flight operations resumed, and the journey of the newly founded Deutsche Lufthansa AG began.
The 100th anniversary of Lufthansa is a moment of pride and reflection. At the same time, it represents a bold look into the future and the beginning of the companyโs second century.
Anniversary Motto: โWe are the Journeyโ
The anniversary will be celebrated under the motto โWe are the Journeyโ โ a message that highlights the shared journey of employees, passengers, and fans of the brand. Since its first flight 100 years ago, Lufthansa has not only written its own history but has also significantly shaped the future of aviation.
The anniversary is a tribute to the guests who have accompanied Lufthansa through a century of challenges, changes, and progress. Without their loyalty and trust, Lufthansaโs success story would not have been possible. The anniversary is therefore an expression of gratitude to the people who have shaped this journey.
This especially includes the employees: Lufthansa staff members. Since the companyโs founding, they have been united by a unique spirit characterized by pioneering ambition, a passion for flying, and a commitment to excellence. Today, 40,000 people from 122 nations work for the Lufthansa brand, and 100,000 people from over 160 nations are part of the Group.
A Year of Experiences for Customers, Fans, and Employees
In the anniversary year 2026, Lufthansa will organize a variety of activities and events to honor the history and future of the aviation group. These include a permanent exhibition at the Lufthansa Group Hangar One, special events, a history book, film and video productions, employee celebrations, customer events, as well as marketing and product campaigns.
The anniversary year will be visible and tangible for Lufthansa customers starting in January. The special โ100 Years of Lufthansaโ emblem will appear on boarding passes, at airports, and onboard Lufthansa flights in many places. Outside of airports โ for example, in many city centers โ a poster campaign will tell Lufthansaโs story through iconic images and messages.
Flying Ambassadors: The Lufthansa Anniversary Fleet
A highlight of the celebrations will be the special aircraft liveries: the key sub-fleets of Lufthansaโs core brand will feature one aircraft with the new 100-year special livery. The Lufthansa anniversary fleet consists of six aircraft: an Airbus A380, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8. Leading the anniversary fleet is the Boeing 787-9 named โBerlin,โ (below) which was delivered from Boeingโs factory in Washington State, USA, to Germany shortly before Christmas and landed at its new home airport in Frankfurt. Soon, this state-of-the-art aircraft, registered as D-ABPU, will enter scheduled service.
Additionally, there will be two retro liveries. These designs combine tradition and progress, making each aircraft a unique flying ambassador of the brand. The iconic crane, designed by Otto Firle in 1918, remains Lufthansaโs global symbol.
It has landed! The Boeing 787-9 with its impressive special livery marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa arrived in Frankfurt today, Tuesday. Numerous plane spotters, travelers, and spectators welcomed the special aircraft at Germany’s largest airport, which was transferred from the Boeing plant in Everett, Washington. The divisional board of Lufthansa Airlines also personally welcomed the Dreamliner with the registration D-ABPU and the name โBerlinโ.
Jens Ritter, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Airlines: โThese are the particularly beautiful and unforgettable moments in our job. It’s always a special moment to take delivery of a brand-new aircraft โ 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 โLuft Hansaโ, was even more exciting and fascinating.”
The Dreamliner โPapa Uniformโ combines tradition and the future in an iconic design: the blue fuselage is adorned with a white XXL crane, whose wings merge into the wings, turning the aircraft into a flying anniversary ambassador for Lufthansa. In addition to the crane, a โ100โ is integrated on the left side of the fuselage and the lettering โ1926 | 2026โ on the right side. A โ100โ can also be seen on the underside of the aircraft.
In 2026, Lufthansa will celebrate a special anniversary: On January 6, 1926, almost exactly 100 years ago, the first Lufthansa was founded. The official maiden flight then took off on April 6, 1926. To mark this special occasion, a special anniversary fleet comprising a total of six aircraft will take off in 2026: The Boeing 787-9 will lead this XXL crane fleet. An Airbus A380, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8 will also be receiving the new livery. The aircraft will gradually be given the new design, with the anniversary fleet expected to be complete in fall 2026.
Just in time for the start of the anniversary year, the historic aircraft have been completed! The Junkers Ju 52 and Lockheed L-1649A Super Star have now been finally accepted at โLufthansa Group Hangar One.โ This means that the two central exhibits, which will soon be on display in the new conference and visitor center, are now complete. Over the past few months, the aircraft were delivered in individual parts by heavy transporters and have since been reassembled with great attention to detail in their new home near Frankfurt Airport.
The Junkers Ju 52 and the Lockheed Super Star will be the main attractions of the โLufthansa Group Hangar One.โ Thanks to a glass faรงade, visitors will also be able to admire these two icons of aviation history from the outside. The opening of the conference and visitor center coincides with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Deutsche Luft Hansa and underscores the importance of aviation history for the Lufthansa Group.
A picture gallery contains numerous photos from the delivery of the aircraft to the final acceptance. You can download the folder on the right in the margin column.
About the Ju 52: The first Junkers Ju 52 was added to the Lufthansa fleet in 1932 and quickly became the backbone of the airline’s aircraft fleet. Valued for its economy and reliability, the aircraft accounted for around 50 percent of the Lufthansa fleet at that time.
The โAunt Juโ is much more than an aircraft โ it is a symbol of pioneering spirit, engineering excellence, and the fascination of aviation. With its striking corrugated metal appearance, three characteristic engines, and unparalleled reliability, the Ju 52 has captivated generations of pilots, passengers, and aviation enthusiasts. First developed in the 1930s, the Ju 52 set new standards in passenger and cargo transport. Its versatility made it an indispensable companion in civil and military aviation. Its robust construction and ability to land on unpaved runways in particular made it synonymous with reliability and innovation. Today, the Ju 52 is considered a cult aircraft that makes the hearts of aviation enthusiasts beat faster.
About the Super Star: In 1957, the Lockheed Super Star joined the Lufthansa fleet and was the first aircraft to feature the Senator class, the most exclusive form of travel. It was mainly used for flights to New York, flying non-stop across the North Atlantic. The aircraft was also a technical masterpiece. With its four piston engines, it closed the chapter on classic propeller aircraft. These flights, which lasted up to 17 hours, took off from Hamburg, where the maintenance base was also located. The Super Star is 35.42 meters long and has a wingspan of 45.18 meters and a height of 7.12 meters.
About โLufthansa Group Hangar Oneโ: In the immediate vicinity of the Lufthansa Aviation Center (LAC), the Lufthansa Group began construction of a new conference and visitor center at Frankfurt Airport in 2024, which will be a place for new forms of collaboration for employees and, at the same time, for customers, business partners, and aviation enthusiasts.
Lufthansa’s pioneering spirit and expertise will be tangible and experiential โ especially in terms of shaping the future of aviation, but also with regard to the history of the company. Two restored Lufthansa aircraft will be on permanent display as the main historical attractions: the Junkers Ju 52 and the legendary Lockheed Super Star.
In an open gallery, visitors will be able to explore numerous exhibits from Lufthansa’s corporate history, some of which will be on public display for the first time. Like the group’s training and conference hotel โLufthansa Seeheim,โ the Frankfurt conference and visitor center will also be open for external events and will offer visitors catering services in a coffee lounge.
The next important milestone has been reached at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center currently under construction at Frankfurt Airport: the tail unit has now been mounted on the Lockheed 1649A Super Star. The three-part rudder is characteristic of this particular aircraft series. It has a wingspan of over 15 meters and weighs around 1.4 tons. The assembly was carried out using two forklifts operating in parallel.ย
This means that all the large components of the Super Star have now been successfully assembled. The historic aircraft, once a symbol of innovation and elegance, was painted this summer at Mรผnster/Osnabrรผck Airport in its classic 1950s livery. The fuselage, wings, engines, and tail were then transported to Frankfurt by heavy haulage. The various aircraft parts were assembled in the new building at Frankfurt Airport over the past few weeks. Now, with a total length of around 35 meters and an impressive wingspan of more than 45 meters, the Super Star shines again in all its former glory.
Together with the legendary Junkers Ju 52, the Lockheed Super Star will be the main attraction of the โLufthansa Group Hangar One.โ Thanks to a glass facade, visitors can also admire the two icons of aviation history from the outside. The opening of the conference and visitor center coincides with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Deutsche Luft Hansa and underscores the importance of aviation history for the Lufthansa Group.
About the Super Star: In 1957, the Lockheed Super Star joined the Lufthansa fleet and was the first aircraft to feature Senator Class, the most exclusive form of travel. The focus of its deployment was the connection to New York, flying nonstop across the North Atlantic. The aircraft was therefore also a technical masterpiece. These flights, which lasted up to 17 hours, took off from Hamburg, where the maintenance base was also located.
About โLufthansa Group Hangar Oneโ: In the immediate vicinity of the Lufthansa Aviation Center (LAC), the Lufthansa Group began construction of a new conference and visitor center at Frankfurt Airport in 2024, which will be a place for new forms of collaboration for employees and, at the same time, for customers, business partners, and aviation enthusiasts.
Lufthansa’s pioneering spirit and expertise will be tangible and experiential โ especially in terms of shaping the future of aviation, but also with regard to the history of the company. Two restored Lufthansa aircraft will be on permanent display as the main historical attraction: the Junkers Ju 52 and the legendary Lockheed Super Star.
In an open gallery, visitors will be able to explore numerous exhibits from Lufthansa’s corporate history, some of which will be on public display for the first time. Like the group’s training and conference hotel โLufthansa Seeheim,โ the Frankfurt conference and visitor center will also be open for external events and will offer visitors catering services in a coffee lounge.
In 2026, Lufthansa will celebrate a significant anniversary: 100 years since the founding of the first Lufthansa in 1926. To mark this special occasion, the crane airline is taking off with a unique โanniversary fleetโ that combines tradition and innovation in an impressive design.
The most important sub-fleets of Lufthansa will receive their own special livery in the iconic 100-year look: the blue fuselage will be adorned with a white crane whose wings merge into the wings.
In addition to the crane, a โ100โ is integrated on the left side of the fuselage and the lettering โ1926 / 2026โ on the right side. A โ100โ will also be visible on the underside of the aircraft.
The anniversary fleet will be led by the brand-new Boeing 787-9 โBerlinโ with the registration D-ABPU, which is expected in Frankfurt in December. An Airbus A380, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8 will also be painted.
The aircraft will gradually be given the new design โ the anniversary fleet is expected to be complete in fall 2026.
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