Lufthansa A380 unveiled with XXL crane for 100th anniversary

Germany

Fourth aircraft in special blue livery enters service from March

Lufthansa has presented its Airbus A380 in a special anniversary design to mark the airline’s 100th founding anniversary. The world’s largest passenger aircraft landed at Munich Airport under flight number LH9901 after being repainted in Shannon, Ireland. The aircraft now features a striking blue livery with an oversized crane motif and the inscriptions “1926 | 2026” and “100.”

The Airbus A380, registered D-AIMH, will enter regular service in March.

34 days of work for a landmark design

A total of 35 colleagues worked on the aircraft over 34 days to apply the special design. The stylized crane stretches 47 metres along the fuselage. More than 4,000 square metres were painted – roughly equivalent to 16 tennis courts.

The A380 is the fourth aircraft to receive the anniversary livery. Earlier this month, a newly painted Airbus A350-900 arrived in Munich. A Boeing 787-9 and an Airbus A320neo, both based in Frankfurt, are also flying in the special “100 Years” colours. Another Airbus A320neo featuring the XXL crane is expected in Munich shortly.

Seven special aircraft planned

In the coming weeks, a Boeing 747-8 and an Airbus A350-1000 will also receive the anniversary design. Altogether, seven aircraft will carry special liveries commemorating the founding of the first “Luft Hansa” in 1926.

The designs are being applied either during scheduled repainting cycles or, in the case of new aircraft deliveries, directly at the factory. As a result, Lufthansa states that additional costs for the special fleet appearance during its anniversary year will remain minimal.