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For generations of German holidaymakers, the sight of a bright red-tailed aircraft with three crisp white letters—LTU—meant only one thing: sunshine was just a few hours away. As one of Europe’s most iconic charter airlines, LTU built a strong reputation for comfort, reliability, and long-haul leisure travel. With a base in Düsseldorf and even a southern offshoot, LTU Süd, the airline was a mainstay of German skies for decades—until it finally disappeared in 2009.
From Regional Roots to Global Reach
Photo (c)
LTU Lufttransport-Unternehmen GmbH was founded in 1955 in Frankfurt and began life as a small regional and charter operator. It relocated its base to Düsseldorf in 1961 and began to grow into a significant force in the burgeoning package holiday market. The airline’s mission was clear: to provide reliable, high-quality charter flights for Germans heading to Mediterranean beach resorts and later, far-flung exotic destinations.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, LTU expanded both in size and ambition, becoming Germany’s leading independent leisure airline. It worked closely with major tour operators, flying millions of passengers annually to Spain, Greece, Turkey, North Africa, and beyond.
The LTU Süd Chapter
Pedro Aragão, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons
In 1983, LTU established a subsidiary called LTU Süd (also known as LTU Südflug) based in Munich. This move allowed the airline to expand operations in southern Germany and respond to regional demand. LTU Süd operated under its own air operator’s certificate but was fully controlled by LTU.
Although it flew aircraft in the same livery, the aircraft were registered separately and crews were often based locally. LTU Süd focused on medium- and long-haul routes from Munich and other southern airports, helping LTU better serve German passengers outside its Düsseldorf stronghold.
Eventually, the LTU Süd brand was folded back into the main company in the 1990s as part of a simplification process.
LTU also operated a subsidiary in Spain known as LTE International Airways.
A Modern and Wide-Ranging Fleet
LTU operated an impressively modern and versatile fleet over its lifetime, geared toward both short-haul holiday flights and long-range leisure routes. Aircraft types included:
- Douglas DC-4 & Vickers Viking – Operated in the early years for short charter hops.
- Lockheed L-1011 TriStar – Iconic widebody airliner flown by LTU on long-haul routes.
- Boeing 757 – Key aircraft for European and Middle Eastern destinations.
- McDonnell Douglas MD-11 – Used for long-haul charter routes to the USA, Caribbean, and Asia.
- Airbus A320 & A321 – Introduced in the 1990s as part of fleet modernisation.
- Airbus A330-200 & A330-300 – LTU was one of the earliest European charter airlines to operate these modern widebodies, ideal for its evolving long-haul network.
LTU’s A330s, introduced in the late 1990s, helped the airline refresh its image and offer higher-quality service than many of its low-cost and charter competitors.
A Familiar Name Disappears
Despite its loyal customer base and strong brand identity, LTU struggled with the challenges facing many charter airlines in the 2000s. Rising fuel costs, increasing competition from low-cost carriers, and changes in how people booked holidays put pressure on its business model.
In 2007, LTU was acquired by Air Berlin, which was seeking to expand its long-haul presence. For a while, LTU’s aircraft continued to fly in their red-and-white livery, albeit with small Air Berlin branding. However, by 2009, the LTU name was fully retired, and its aircraft were repainted or phased out.
When Air Berlin itself collapsed in 2017, many viewed it as the final chapter in LTU’s legacy—a sad end for a much-loved airline that had once been the face of summer for millions.
Remembering LTU
With its distinctive red tails, friendly service, and long-haul comfort, LTU remains one of the most fondly remembered European charter airlines. Whether flying to Palma, Phuket, or Punta Cana, LTU made travel accessible and enjoyable for generations of German holidaymakers.
Did you ever fly with LTU or work for the airline? Maybe you spotted one of its iconic A330s or remember the days of LTU Süd at Munich? Share your memories and photos in the comments!
Title image: Colin Cooke
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Lost Airline Colours of Europe is a pictorial guide to make of the lost airline and airline liveries from the glory days of air travel in Europe. It features many lost leisure airlines, like LTU, as well as scheduled and cargo airlines. It also features colour pictures of many classic aircraft types, like the Caravelle, Boeing 727, 737-200, Tupolev Tu-154 and Vickers Viscount.
