Germany’s flag carrier, 
Lufthansa, has introduced a specially painted Boeing 747-8 to commemorate 100 years since the airline’s original founding in 1926. The aircraft received its new livery in San Bernardino, California. Under flight number LH9913, the aircraft will make its way back to Frankfurt on Wednesday, 4th March, and is expected to arrive there on Thursday, 5th March, at around 10 am local time. The milestone marks a century since the creation of Deutsche Luft Hansa, the predecessor to today’s Lufthansa. The jet will operate regular long-haul services, bringing the anniversary design to destinations across the airline’s global network.
The Boeing 747-8 occupies a unique position in Lufthansa’s fleet and brand identity, making it a fitting platform for the commemorative scheme. As the only European carrier still flying the passenger version of the 747-8, Lufthansa is closely associated with the “Queen of the Skies.” By pairing the jumbo jet with an expanded crane motif, the airline is spotlighting both its heritage and its continued presence in long-haul aviation.
A Special Boeing 747-8 Livery Celebrates 100 Years of Lufthansa
Credit: Lufthansa
The anniversary aircraft stands out thanks to a dramatically scaled-up crane logo stretching across the forward fuselage. The crane has been linked to the airline since its early years and remains one of the most recognizable symbols in European aviation. For the centenary edition, the emblem has been integrated into Lufthansa’s contemporary blue-and-white livery while being enlarged to emphasize the 100-year milestone.
Lufthansa bases its fleet of Boeing 747-8 aircraft at Frankfurt Airport, deploying them primarily on high-capacity intercontinental routes to North America and Asia. The type features a four-class configuration, including a First Class cabin positioned in the forward section of the main deck, a layout distinctive to the 747. During the anniversary year, the aircraft is expected to appear on flagship services, giving passengers a chance to fly aboard the special design. Commenting on the similarly designed 787 livery, Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter said:
“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.”
Celebrating A Century Of Aviation Heritage And Global Growth
Credit: Flickr
Lufthansa’s relationship with the Boeing 747 dates back to the early 1970s, when it became one of the first airlines worldwide to introduce the jumbo jet into commercial service. Over time, the carrier operated multiple 747 variants, including the -100, -200, and -400, reinforcing its reputation as a long-haul specialist. The 747-8, the most advanced passenger version of the type, combines updated wings, new-generation engines, and improved efficiency compared to earlier models.
Today, Lufthansa remains the sole European airline operating the passenger 747-8, following the retirement of the aircraft by other regional carriers. While modern twin-engine widebodies such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 now dominate long-haul fleets, the 747-8 continues to play a strategic role on dense and slot-constrained routes. Its presence in the centenary program highlights both operational strength and symbolic continuity.
The crane emblem itself has evolved stylistically over the decades, but has remained central to Lufthansa’s visual identity. By enlarging it dramatically on the 747-8, the airline underscores the longevity of its brand while positioning itself for the next century of operations.
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The centenary initiative extends beyond a single aircraft. Lufthansa has outlined a broader anniversary program that includes historical retrospectives, onboard touches, and digital storytelling focused on its evolution since 1926. At the same time, the airline continues investing in fleet renewal and more fuel-efficient aircraft, signaling that innovation remains central to its strategy.
The carrier’s long-haul operations now combine Boeing 747-8s with A350s and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, reflecting a diversified approach to capacity and efficiency. Although four-engine aircraft are becoming increasingly rare in passenger service, the 747-8 retains flagship status within Lufthansa’s network. Its commemorative livery ensures that, throughout the anniversary year, the “Queen of the Skies” remains a highly visible ambassador for the airline’s 100-year legacy.
As Lufthansa marks a century since its origins, the specially painted Boeing 747-8 serves as both a tribute to its past and a statement of continuity in global aviation.