Germany news: Lufthansa marks centenary amid testing times

As the centenary of Lufthansa’s first flight approaches, the German national airline is celebrating its 100th year of operation. This milestone comes at a time when the company faces rising economic and geopolitical challenges. CEO Carsten Spohr has planned events in Frankfurt and beyond, despite the strain of increased fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict.

The Peace Cooperative Network expressed cautious optimism about the participation in Easter peace marches, which are beginning this week. Over 100 towns and cities across Germany have organized rallies and bike rides under the rallying cry “Refuse wars — create peace.” The 2025 edition saw more than 40,000 attendees, a significant jump from prior years. Activists are urging the German government to bolster diplomatic initiatives, reinforce international law, and aid those impacted by ongoing conflicts.

“Refuse wars — create peace” is the central theme of this year’s Easter peace marches, which organizers hope will see greater turnout than last year’s.

Meanwhile, the traditional Easter peace marches are underway, with major events scheduled for Saturday and Monday. A notable route, spanning three days from Duisburg to Dortmund, will draw attention as part of the weekend commemorations. These gatherings also highlight concerns over global rearmament and the potential resumption of conscription in Germany.

Lufthansa’s centennial includes the unveiling of a new visitor center, “Hangar One,” at its Frankfurt headquarters. The facility will showcase the early history of Deutsche Luft Hansa AG, which launched its first scheduled flight from Berlin Tempelhof Airport to Zurich on April 6, 1926. The airline has also acknowledged its historical role during the Nazi era, when it was absorbed into state structures and utilized forced labor.

Although the company reported revenue of €39.6 billion ($45.7 billion) in recent months, profitability has declined. Investors are worried about falling net income, and a restructuring plan aims to reduce the workforce by approximately 4,000 positions. The outlook for the airline remains uncertain, with fuel prices and potential strikes posing further risks in the coming months.

To view this video, please enable JavaScript and upgrade to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Guten Tag from the DW newsroom in Bonn. You’re joining us as Lufthansa commemorates its 100th anniversary, even as it navigates a range of challenges. The airline, often viewed as a symbol of German success, has endured staff strikes, the pandemic, and fluctuating fuel costs in recent years.