Lufthansa History
Lufthansa, founded in 1953, is the largest German airline and one of the largest airlines in Europe. With its headquarters in Cologne, Germany, Lufthansa operates a vast network of domestic and international flights, serving over 220 destinations in more than 80 countries.
The history of Lufthansa dates back to the early days of aviation. The airline was originally formed as a successor to Deutsche Luft Hansa, the national airline of Germany during the Nazi era. After World War II, the airline was reestablished as a new company, Lufthansa, in 1953.
During its early years, Lufthansa focused on rebuilding its fleet and expanding its route network. The airline gradually introduced jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 707, and expanded its operations to include long-haul flights to destinations in North America, Asia, and Africa.
More Airline Insights & Tips
Here are a few of helpful resources & tips that can further enhance your knowledge of Lufthansa airlines and how to best be prepared for your trip:
- Delays are an unfortunate fact of the life of an air traveler. Arm yourself against surprises by knowing the flight status of your LH Lufthansa flight before heading to the airport, as this could save you a lot of time, or even your trip to the airport if your flight is canceled.
- Info can be found here on Lufthansa’s company structure, headquarters, etc.
- See which partnerships and alliances Lufthansa has here. This is useful if you want to build up your frequent flyer points on partner airlines.
- Want to know which plane types are in service? Check out LH’s fleet list here.
- When considering a flight booking on Lufthansa, be aware that third-party travel sites might require you to use their customer service instead of Lufthansa's, which may be less than ideal in certain situations.
Beyond the history presented here for Lufthansa, if you’re wanting more aviation history, read about the history of commercial flight here, or the history of the airline industry here.
In the 1980s, Lufthansa underwent a period of significant growth and modernization. The airline introduced state-of-the-art aircraft like the Airbus A320 and expanded its services to include new destinations in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Lufthansa also established partnerships with other airlines, such as Swissair and Scandinavian Airlines, to strengthen its global presence.
In the 1990s, Lufthansa faced challenges due to the liberalization of the European aviation market. The airline responded by implementing cost-cutting measures and restructuring its operations. Lufthansa also launched its frequent flyer program, Miles & More, to enhance customer loyalty and attract more passengers.
Throughout the 2000s, Lufthansa continued to expand its operations through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The airline acquired Swiss International Air Lines and Brussels Airlines, further strengthening its position in Europe. Lufthansa also became a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance.
Today, Lufthansa is known for its commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service. The airline operates a modern fleet of aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8, and offers a range of services to cater to the needs of its passengers. Lufthansa has received numerous awards and accolades for its excellence in the aviation industry.
For more information about this airline, check out our comprehensive Lufthansa Guide.
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