
Lufthansa is the flagship air carrier of Germany that was founded in the 1950s. Based in Munich, the carrier has a vast fleet comprising 300 planes and travelling to more than 200 destinations around the world. The Lufthansa logo is recognised globally and the iterations reflect the airline’s evolution and its commitment to excellence in aviation. The logo features a stylised crane to symbolise elegance and precision, which has been a part of Lufthansa’s identity since its inception. This article explores the timeline of the logo’s evolution over the years.
The Genesis of the Lufthansa Logo (1953 – 1963)
In 1953, Aktiengesellschaft für Luftverkehrsbedarf (Luftag) was established, which was later rebranded as Lufthansa in 1954 after acquiring the name and logo of Deutsche Luft Hansa. The initial logo featured a thin yellow crane above the word “Lufthansa” in uppercase and written using a solid serif typeface on a dark blue background.
This design reflected a sense of reliability and innovation and aligned with the airline’s mission to provide safe air travel. The yellow colour palette of the logo conveyed attributes of creativity, progressiveness, and speed. On the other hand, the blue background conveyed a sense of protection and reliability.

(1963 – 2018)
The first significant redesign occurred in 1963 under the guidance of designer Otl Aicher, who introduced a new style while retaining the crane emblem. The crane was now enclosed in a circle with a thick blue outline and placed to the left of the wordmark. The letters of the wordmark in title case were updated to a bold sans-serif typeface similar to Helvetica and Sequel Sans. This redesign emphasised modernity while maintaining continuity with Lufthansa’s heritage. The classic blue and white colour scheme became prominent during this period.

(2018 – Present)
The latest logo was designed in 2018 by Ronald Wild. It was merely a refinement of the earlier logo. The size of the crane emblem to the left of the wordmark has been reduced to look thin, which makes it look more elegant and contemporary. The wordmark “Lufthansa” to the right has been rendered using a custom sans-serif typeface instead of the Helvetica font earlier. The colour palette of the logo has been retained as blue and white.

The Elements of the Lufthansa Logo
Symbol
The Lufthansa logo showcases a bird in flight, specifically a crane, which is apt due to the long neck of the crane. And adjacent to the encircled bird is the name of the company presented in a clean and minimalist typeface.
Font
The uppercase wordmark employs a straightforward sans-serif font, with all letters perfectly proportioned. While some might argue that this simplicity renders the logo less unique or memorable, it remains instantly recognisable.
Colour
The colour scheme of the logo primarily consists of dark blue and a vibrant shade of yellow. In certain versions, white is also incorporated, particularly for the “Nonstop you” tagline.
The History of Lufthansa
The roots of Lufthansa can be traced back to 1926, when Deutsche Luft Hansa was established in Berlin through the merger of Deutscher Aero Lloyd and Junkers Luftverkehr. This airline served as the flag carrier of Germany until World War II, when it was repurposed for military use and ultimately dissolved by Allied forces in 1951 due to its associations with the Nazi regime.
On January 6, 1953, a new airline named Aktiengesellschaft für Luftverkehrsbedarf (Luftag) was founded in Cologne by a former staff member of Deutsche Luft Hansa. The company aimed to re-establish a national airline for West Germany. On August 6, 1954, Luftag acquired the name and logo of the defunct Deutsche Lufthansa for DM 30,000, thereby marking the rebirth of Lufthansa.
Lufthansa commenced operations on April 1, 1955, with two Convair aircraft flying domestic routes from Hamburg and Munich. By May 15, 1955, international flights were launched to cities such as London, Paris, and Madrid. The flights were subsequently expanded rapidly to include North American destinations like New York City by June.
Throughout the late 1950s and into the 1960s, Lufthansa continued to grow its network. The airline stepped into the jet age with the introduction of the Boeing B707 in 1960 to enhance its long-haul capabilities. However, political tensions during the Cold War limited Lufthansa’s access to certain routes, particularly those involving East Berlin.
The following decades saw Lufthansa embrace technological advancements and respond to industry challenges. The oil crises of the 1970s prompted a re-evaluation of operational efficiencies. This led to investments in fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Boeing B747 and Airbus A300. By this time, Lufthansa had established itself as a major player in international air travel.
In 1997, Lufthansa was privatised, which allowed it to compete more effectively on a global scale. The airline diversified its operations by creating independent subsidiaries like Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa Technik. This strategic move positioned the Lufthansa Group as a comprehensive aviation entity encompassing various segments. These included passenger transport, logistics, and maintenance services.
Today, Lufthansa operates as part of a larger group that includes several airlines, such as Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines. The airline continues to be recognised for its commitment to quality service and innovation in air travel. With its headquarters in Cologne and major hubs at Frankfurt and Munich airports, Lufthansa remains a leading force in shaping the future of aviation.
Interesting Facts About Lufthansa
- Lufthansa was founded in 1953, which marked its beginnings in the post-World War II era as a significant step in the recovery and modernisation of Germany.
- The airline operates a fleet of over 300 aircraft, which include large models like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
- Lufthansa serves more than 200 destinations across 74 countries and connects travellers to major cities and remote locations worldwide.
- Lufthansa was the first airline to introduce in-flight internet service. It also launched its FlyNet service in 2003, which set a new standard for passenger connectivity during flights.
- The airline is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint, with initiatives aimed at cutting CO2 emissions significantly by 2030 and investing in fuel-efficient aircraft.
- Lufthansa is known as the world’s largest purchaser of caviar. This emphasises its commitment to providing high-quality dining experiences for its passengers.
- Lufthansa is a founding member of the Star Alliance, which is one of the largest global airline alliances. It allows for extensive cooperation and benefits among member airlines.
- The longest flight of the airline spans approximately 13 hours and 55 minutes, which showcases its capability for long-haul travel.
- Lufthansa offers a renowned first-class terminal at Frankfurt Airport and provides exclusive services and amenities for premium travellers.
- The airline features unique programs such as “Doctor on Board” to ensure the availability of medical assistance during flights.
Finally
The Lufthansa logo and its various iterations are a testament to the airline’s adaptability and enduring values over more than a century. Each logo redesign has reflected changes in design trends as well as Lufthansa’s commitment to excellence in air travel. The crane emblem remains an integral part of its identity. It symbolises freedom, elegance, and reliability as it connects people across the globe.