This year, Germany’s national airline celebrates 100 years since its founding. 

When it was formed as Deutsche Luft Hansa from the amalgamation of several small carriers in 1926 it inherited a fleet of 126 aircraft of 19 different types. In the interwar years Lufthansa operated land planes, flying boats and even airships and established new air connections between Europe, South America and the Far East.

The company was almost an air force in disguise in the Nazi era, providing a market for German aircraft and training for future Luftwaffe pilots. During World War Two, civil flying stopped and the company became a repair organisation for the military.

Declared part of the Luftwaffe, the company was liquidated in 1951, but reborn in 1953. Since then, Lufthansa has grown to become one of the world’s most respected international airlines, today flying to more than 180 destinations in 71 countries, operating 284 aircraft of seven families.