Lufthansa Welcomes New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for Centenary

Lufthansa has received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, designated D-ABPU, adorned with a special livery to mark the airline’s upcoming centenary in 2026. The aircraft arrived in Frankfurt early this morning after an overnight journey from Boeing’s facilities in Washington State. This delivery signifies the beginning of a series of initiatives planned for the airline’s 100th anniversary celebration.

The new aircraft, featuring a striking dark blue paint scheme, represents the first of six specially liveried planes in Lufthansa’s fleet. According to the airline, the 787-9 will play a significant role in its operations as it prepares for a larger celebration in the coming years.

Significance of the Delivery

Lufthansa announced its intention to paint one of its incoming Boeing 787-9 aircraft in a special livery in September 2023. The aircraft was ordered in March 2023 and made its inaugural flight on November 14, 2025. Following test flights across the United States, D-ABPU made its long-awaited arrival in Germany, with media representatives on site to capture the moment.

Tom Boon from Simple Flying commented on the event, stating, “It’s not often that I get up at 6 am, but today, Lufthansa’s first aircraft wearing the special 100-year livery arrived in Frankfurt! I personally think it looks stunning.”

The delivery flight was notable for its duration. The aircraft’s previous longest flight was just under 5.5 hours, but its journey from Everett to Frankfurt lasted nine hours and one minute. This flight path took D-ABPU over Canada, Greenland, and the UK before landing at 09:38 local time.

Aircraft Specifications and Future Plans

D-ABPU, which bears the name ‘Berlin,’ is equipped to accommodate 287 passengers, with 28 business class, 28 premium economy, and 231 economy seats. This configuration features Lufthansa’s new ‘Allegris’ cabins, a significant upgrade from the previous setup.

Lufthansa plans to roll out the special livery across a total of six aircraft, including models such as the Airbus A320, A350-900, A350-1000, A380, and Boeing 747-8, with full completion expected by fall 2026. The centenary livery initiative highlights the airline’s commitment to celebrating its legacy while continuing to modernize its fleet.

As Lufthansa prepares for its centenary, the arrival of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner marks a significant milestone, not only for the airline but also for its passengers and employees, who will witness the evolution of one of the world’s leading carriers.