Deutsche Lufthansa AG, commonly known as Lufthansa, is the flag carrier and largest airline of Germany and, when combined with its affiliates, also the largest airline in Europe, both in terms of fleet size and passengers carried in 2019. It operates services to 18 domestic destinations and 193 international destinations in 81 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, making use of its extensive fleet of more than 270 aircraft.
The name of the company Lufthansa is derived from the German words Luft (air) and Hansa, the latter a nod to the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trading group based in northern Germany. Lufthansa’s logo, a stylized crane in flight, was first created in 1918 by Otto Firle. It was adopted by Lufthansa in 1954 and has been part of the company’s brand identity since then.
The origins of Lufthansa can be traced back to 1926, when Deutsche Luft Hansa A.G. (as it was then known) was formed in Berlin. The airline went through several financial and operational transformations over the subsequent decades, evolving from a national carrier to a major global airline. It was not always smooth sailing, however, and Lufthansa faced many challenges in its early years. In particular, it had to navigate the complex and sometimes restrictive nature of international aviation law which, in many cases, regulated aspects of airline operations such as flight routes and ticket prices.
Over the course of its existence, Lufthansa has undergone numerous changes, expansions, and business redemptions. The airline absorbed several smaller regional carriers, greatly expanding its network and fleet. It also invested heavily in cutting-edge aircraft and technology, helping it establish a reputation for innovation and quality service.
In 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, Lufthansa expanded its operations into East Germany and the former communist bloc. This period heralded major growth for the airline in terms of both passenger numbers and profitability. By the early 21st century, Lufthansa was well-established as one of the world’s leading airlines, noted for its commitment to service, safety, and environmental sustainability.
One important element that contributed to the success of Lufthansa was its early recognition of the potential benefits of airline alliances. In 1997, it helped establish the Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline alliance today, alongside United Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai Airways and Air Canada. Being a member of this alliance has enabled Lufthansa to expand its network, increase its market share, and improve service to its passengers.
Today, as we look at the landscape of aviation, Lufthansa continues to be an industry leader in terms of innovation and customer service. The company is making considerable advancements in areas such as sustainability and digitalization. It has committed to a goal of ‘FlyNet’ – having fully connected flights to enhance the passenger experience. Also, their ambitious effort at curbing emissions, ‘Compensaid’, allows passengers to offset their individual carbon footprint. Lufthansa remains committed to being at the forefront of technological innovation and environmental responsibility in aviation.
Lufthansa continues to soar in the aviation industry, marked by its resilience and ability to adapt its strategy in response to changing market conditions and regulations. As it navigates a challenging era of aviation law, economic hurdles, and changing customer behaviors, the airline’s history provides a template for how to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.