Two of the world’s oldest airlines are chalking up new milestones

Deciphering which is the oldest continually operating airline in the world is a bit like the argument that rages across the Tasman over what nation invented the pavlova and/or the flat white.

On the airline question, it’s an arm wrestle between Qantas and KLM. Both claim the title, Qantas on the back of having operated continually since its founding in 1920, the Dutch carrier on pipping Qantas by a year with its founding in 1919, even though it was forced to pause much of its operations during World War II (it couldn’t operate out of Amsterdam, though its West Indies arm remained active).

Others are just as old, but have operated under different names, meaning they don’t technically enter the argument.

But two of the world’s oldest – Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific – are just happy to be around to celebrate significant anniversaries in 2026.

For Lufthansa, the milestone is a big one. Founded in 1926, the German flag carrier turns 100 in 2026.

The anniversary coincides with the launch of the airline’s nine-seat-class (yes, nine) Allegris cabin on new Boeing 787-9s. Allegris has pundits declaring its first class one of the current best in the air. On the airline’s A350s since mid-2024, passengers have more control over seat choice (albeit at a price) with business class comprising five categories, premium economy one, and economy covering off the bookable options of forward seats or a seat with a spare next to it.

It’s part of a sweeping fleet renewal, with Boeing 787-9s, Airbus A350-1000s and A320neos replacing older aircraft.

Lufthansa also enters its second century with scale firmly on its side. The group now includes SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and ITA Airways, which formally joined the fold in 2025. And that’s relevant to Australians via a joint venture with Singapore Airlines, which establishes various codeshares into Europe.

A year-long program is planned of exhibitions, publications and retro-styled liveries with a modern interpretation of Lufthansa’s historic crane logo. Lufthansa is using the centenary to note its history, including the uncomfortable World War II chapter, with a new book and a permanent exhibition at Hangar One.

Cathay Pacific’s 80th birthday tells a survival story.

Founded in Hong Kong in 1946, Cathay enters 2026 having pulled off one of the most dramatic recoveries in modern aviation. Few airlines were hit harder by the pandemic. Hong Kong’s prolonged border closures all but erased Cathay’s passenger business, grounding aircraft, shrinking routes and forcing a government-led recapitalisation that left the airline fighting for relevance in its own hub.

The rebound has been swift. By early 2025, Cathay had restored its full pre-pandemic network, reintroduced long-haul routes across Europe and North America, and regained its footing as a premium Asia-Pacific carrier. The airline has invested heavily in product: new Aria Suites in business class, refreshed premium economy cabins and upgraded lounges.

For its 80th anniversary in 2026, Cathay is planning a global celebration anchored in Hong Kong, with special aircraft liveries, onboard experiences and a renewed focus on storytelling around its post-war origins. More than a birthday, the anniversary is proof that the airline has not just survived, but stabilised.

And in an industry that often makes headlines for collapses rather than birthday candles, simply being here is enough reason to celebrate.

See lufthansa.com ; cathaypacific.com