The Lufthansa story
Deutsche Luft Hansa was founded in 1926. After the Second World War a new company was set up in 1953 and took the Lufthansa name, starting scheduled flights in 1955. Its crane logo dates back to 1918.
What makes Lufthansa powerful
Lufthansa's power comes from German reliability and its yellow and blue crane. It is the leading airline group in Europe by revenue, with hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. In 1997 it was a founding member of Star Alliance.
Lufthansa today
Lufthansa Group is headquartered in Cologne, with its operations centre in Frankfurt, and Carsten Spohr is CEO. The group includes SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and a stake in ITA Airways.
What comes next for Lufthansa
Lufthansa's challenges are rising costs, strikes and new aircraft deliveries, and it plans to improve punctuality and profit at its core airline.
Why Lufthansa ranks #95
Brand Positioning & Recall (72.0) and Consumer Trust & Sentiment (64.0) carry Lufthansa's Power Score of 65.00.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
5 Travel & Logistics brands are in the Europe 100. Lufthansa is #4 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Lufthansa in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Lufthansa ranks #95 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 65.00 out of 100.
When was Lufthansa founded and who founded it?
Lufthansa was founded in 1926 (re-founded 1953). Founder(s): Re-established by the German government.
What is Lufthansa's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Lufthansa's lowest pillar is Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 58.0 out of 100.
Who leads Lufthansa today?
Carsten Spohr, CEO. The brand is owned by Deutsche Lufthansa AG.
Where is Lufthansa headquartered?
Lufthansa is based in Cologne, Germany. Its country of origin is Germany.
What is Lufthansa's revenue?
€39.6bn revenue (FY2025, +5%), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Lufthansa?
Lufthansa was first founded on 6 January 1926 and re-founded in 1953.
Key facts
| Brand | Lufthansa |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Deutsche Lufthansa AG |
| Headquarters | Cologne, Germany |
| Founded | 1926 (re-founded 1953) |
| Founder(s) | Re-established by the German government |
| Leadership | Carsten Spohr, CEO |
| Latest revenue | €39.6bn revenue (FY2025, +5%) Source |
| Sector | Travel & Logistics |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Signature fact | Lufthansa was first founded on 6 January 1926 and re-founded in 1953. |
| Official website | lufthansa.com |
Lufthansa is ranked #95 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 65.00).