Since 1956, Condor has been taking people to the world’s most beautiful destinations in the world. From the first tourist flight to the Airbus transformation, each chapter tells a part of Condor's anniversary history.
The founding of Deutsche Flugdienst GmbH in 1955 marked the beginning of a new chapter in travel in Germany. On March 29, 1956, the first tourist flight took off from Frankfurt via Beirut and Damascus to Jerusalem. Back then, the 14-day round trip cost 1,953 Deutsche Mark (or 465 US dollars) – an exceptional experience for many guests. Most of the passengers had never been on an airplane before.
Initially, Vickers Viking propeller aircraft with around 36 seats were used. In the first few years, the Mediterranean region developed into the most important destination area. Mallorca, Italy, Greece and North Africa symbolized the start of the modern vacation flight.
But the fledgling industry was still unstable. At the end of the 1950s, vacation air travel was plunged into crisis by a fierce price war, and Deutsche Flugdienst was on the brink of collapse. It was not until its takeover by Lufthansa in 1959 that the company achieved lasting stability.
In 1961, the airline received its well-known name: Condor Flugdienst. At the same time, the modernization of the fleet began with the Vickers Viscount, one of the most modern turboprop aircraft of its time. Fewer vibrations, higher speed and greater comfort make flying a real travel experience for the first time.
Tourism also grew rapidly in the 1960s. Mallorca became the place of longing for an entire generation – and Condor was central to this. In fact, a dedicated crew house was built on the island in El Arenal, because so many flights were operating there.
With the first long-haul flights in the mid-1960s, Condor opened the door to more distant destinations in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean for the first time. Vacation travel went global.
The jet age began for the airline at the end of the decade. Aircraft such as the Boeing 707 significantly reduced travel times and made long-distance travel accessible to more and more people.
A historic milestone followed in 1971: Condor became the first vacation airline in the world to use a Boeing 747 in scheduled tourist services. The Jumbo Jet fundamentally changed aviation. With space for around 470 passengers, Condor took almost 500 vacationers south at the same time for the first time.
The first two machines quickly became known by their nicknames "Fritz" and "Max". On flights to Mallorca in particular, the huge airplanes were a source of excitement – many vacationers would already be taking pictures of the aircraft at the airport.
With Jumbo, not only is traveling itself changing, but also the infrastructure of airports. Larger gates, new boarding processes and more efficient baggage handling are required. Mass tourism is reaching a new dimension.
In 1973, Condor became the world's leading vacation airline with a turnover of 291 million German marks. At the same time, the oil crisis brought new challenges: rising fuel prices made efficiency and economical fleet planning key issues.
The 1980s were a period of growth, globalization and the expansion of long-haul travel. Long-distance travel became affordable for more and more people – destinations in the Caribbean, Africa and North America were increasingly becoming popular vacation destinations.
In 1979, the first McDonnell Douglas DC-10 joined the fleet. The three-engine wide-body jet quickly became one of the airline’s signature aircraft and took over many long-haul routes. With its long range and high capacity, the DC-10 carried vacationers to tropical destinations around the world.
In 1985, the Airbus A310 marked another important step in fleet modernization. The modern wide-body jet was impressive with more efficient technology, lower fuel consumption and improved on-board comfort. At the same time, it marked the beginning of the Airbus era at Condor.
Vacation air travel is becoming increasingly professional. Tour operators and airlines are working more closely together to offer complete vacation packages. Condor is emerging as one of Europe’s top vacation airlines.
A tragic event marked the end of the decade: Numerous people lost their lives in an accident involving a Boeing 737 near Izmir, Turkey, in 1988. The investigations lead to improvements in navigation, crew training and safety procedures internationally.
The 1990s brought profound changes to international air transport. New markets emerged, competition intensified and long-haul travel became the norm for an ever-increasing number of people.
Following German reunification, Condor opened new departure airports in eastern Germany and continuously expanded its route map. More and more passengers were now able to fly directly to their vacation destinations from regional airports.
At the same time, the airline carried out a comprehensive modernization of its fleet. Between 1990 and 1992, the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 were introduced. The Boeing 767, in particular, became the backbone of the long-haul fleet and shaped the airline’s image for decades.
In 1991, Condor set new standards in tourist air travel: The airline was the first leisure airline to introduce Comfort Class, establishing a new level of comfort in the leisure segment.
With Condor Flights Individual, the airline sold flight tickets directly to passengers for the first time and consistently refined the classic charter model. Vacation flights became more individual and flexible.
Long-haul trips to North America, Africa, Asia or the Caribbean are now firmly becoming part of everyday travel for a new generation of vacationers.
One of the most famous chapters in Condor history began in 1996: For the 40th anniversary, American pop art artist James Rizzi designed a Boeing 757 in the unmistakable "Rizzi Bird" design. The colorful special livery became known worldwide and developed into a symbol of vacations, joy of life and the Condor brand.
In the same year, Condor became the first customer for the Boeing 757-300, which later became one of the airline’s most iconic aircraft types.
At the same time, the European tourism market is undergoing fundamental changes. Condor becomes part of the Thomas Cook Group and later of C & N Touristic AG. Airlines and tour operators are now working ever more closely together to offer complete vacation experiences from a single source.
The 2000s are also marked by digitalization. Online bookings and travel portals are changing the way people plan their trips. More and more guests started booking their flights directly online rather than through a traditional travel agency.
Condor is continuously developing its on-board product and investing in modernized cabins, new entertainment systems and additional comfort on board.
In 2006, the airline celebrated its 50th anniversary – among other things with the special aircraft "Willi".
In the 2000s and early 2010s, Condor was consistently developing the travel experience. The focus was increasingly on comfort, digitalization and a modern on-board product.
In 2008, Premium Economy Class was introduced, offering additional comfort on long-haul flights and bridging the gap between Economy and Business Class. Modern entertainment systems, new seating concepts and improved services shaped the further development of the product.
In 2009, the winglet modernization of the Boeing fleet began. The distinctive winglets improve aerodynamics and efficiency while reducing fuel consumption.
The move to the new company headquarters in Gateway Gardens in 2012 also marked the beginning of a new chapter from an organizational point of view. At the same time, Condor continued to invest in Business Class, digital services and innovations such as Airshoppen.
The route map remains stable, connecting millions of vacationers with destinations around the Mediterranean, in North America, Africa and the Caribbean. Condor remains one of Germany's most important tourist airlines.
Since its 60th anniversary in 2016, Condor has entered one of the most dynamic phases in its history. After decades as part of large tourism corporations, the airline is gradually developing anew.
In 2019, the insolvency of the Thomas Cook Group presented Condor with its greatest challenge in recent company history. Despite the difficult situation, not a single Condor flight was grounded. Supported by a government-backed bridging loan, the airline managed to continue its flight operations steadily – for many, a symbol of reliability and trust.
With the entry of investor Attestor in 2021, a comprehensive new start finally begins. Condor invested in its brand, product and fleet, and strategically realigning the airline.
The most visible change follows in 2022: the new brand identity in the iconic striped look. Inspired by parasols, bath towels and sun loungers, the design stands for what has defined Condor for decades: vacations don't just start at the destination, but as soon as you board the plane.
At the same time, the new long-haul era begins with the Airbus A330neo. The impressive modern generation of aircraft offers significantly lower fuel consumption, reduced CO₂ emissions and a completely new cabin experience.
In 2023 and 2024, Condor consistently pursued its fleet renewal program. The Boeing 767 will be fully retired, while at the same time the modernization of the short and medium-haul fleet with Airbus A320neo and A321neo began.
With the emotional farewell to the Boeing 757-300 in 2025, Condor is finally taking the step towards a complete Airbus fleet.
Today, Condor combines 70 years of tourism experience with cutting-edge technology, an efficient fleet and a brand identity that redefines vacation travel.
