Curious stories from 70 years of Condor that you won't forget.

From flying pudding to catwalk shows at 10,000 metres altitude to world records: explore the most extraordinary moments from 70 years of Condor history.

The picture shows a stewardess handing out a tray of drinks and food to two seated passengers in an aircraft cabin. The photo is in black and white. In the background, other passengers and the interior of the cabin can be seen.

What do pudding and aeroplanes have in common?

More than many think: In the early years of Condor, there was a connection to the Dr. Oetker Group. Together with the classic on-board dessert of that time, this gave rise to the charming nickname “Pudding Airline” – a name that is still remembered today.

In 1957, Rudolf-August Oetker was involved in the founding of the then "Condor Luftreederei". Over the decades, the small holiday airline developed into today's Condor – with a modern fleet, international connections and millions of guests every year.

The action may have been unusual, but even back then it showed that flying with Condor should be more than just transportation.

Catwalk above the clouds

When Condor first flew to Mallorca with a Boeing 747 on 1 May, 1971, the Jumbo Jet suddenly became a flying catwalk.

Together with Triumph, the airline presented the swimwear collection ’71 directly on board during the flight – an extraordinary moment that combined a holiday flight, a fashion show, and the jet-set glamour of the 1970s.

But that's not all: For many years, “Miss Condor” was even elected at special events. The finalists presented their outfits – from swimwear to evening wear – in front of passengers and jury in the middle of the aircraft cabin.

The flying fashion shows reflected the spirit of an era in which flying meant not only travel, but also experience, glamour and big holiday dreams.

For guests, the flight itself became an experience — long before “experience marketing” became a trend.

The picture shows a woman in underwear standing in the cabin of a passenger plane between seated passengers. Several passengers look at the woman while another person takes pictures in the background. The photo is in black and white.

A close-up of the nose of a passenger aircraft in the historic Condor livery on an airport apron.

Flying time capsules

With the special paint finishes "Hans" and "Achim", Condor revived formative periods in its own history.

While "Hans" brought back the style of the early 1960s and the beginnings of holiday flights, "Achim" with its design was reminiscent of the colourful travel and holiday world of the 1970s.

The two aircraft thus became flying time capsules of Condor history – and special eye-catchers for aviation fans all over the world.

This campaign made planes ambassadors of their time and created memories that went far beyond just the flight.

World record repatriation flights

When borders worldwide suddenly closed and travel came to a halt in spring 2020, Condor became part of one of the largest repatriation operations in German aviation history.

On behalf of the Federal Foreign Office, the airline brought around 78,000 travellers from 34 countries and 48 destinations back to Germany on almost 400 special flights – including three dogs and three cats.

Condor's long-haul aircraft were deployed around the world: from the Caribbean to Africa, from Asia to North America.

But that was not all: After the last holidaymakers had been brought back, the aircraft suddenly transported medical protective equipment from China and later even supported the transport of harvest workers to secure the food supply in Germany.

World record evacuation

With the introduction of the Boeing 747, Condor also set new standards in safety drills. More than 470 people evacuated the Jumbo Jet in less than 70 seconds – significantly faster than internationally prescribed.

Worldwide, the rule still applies that a fully occupied plane must be evacuated within 90 seconds – even if only half of the emergency exits can be used. Safety has always been a top priority at Condor and is still our top priority today.

The record was primarily driven by one goal: the continuous improvement of safety and processes for passengers.

The picture shows the nose of a vintage passenger aeroplane in a hangar. Inflated emergency slides are attached to the aircraft doors, on which several people slide down or stand. Other people are in front of the emergency slides. In the background, parts of other aircraft and the hangar facilities can be seen.

The flying cinema

Condor long-haul flights offer over 800 hours of entertainment. If you watch the entire programme in one go, you could fly back between Frankfurt and New York approximately 50 times in that time.

The experience is particularly impressive in the Prime Seats: with 24-inch 4K monitors, the screens are among the largest in Business Class worldwide. Many airlines use screens between 17 and 18 inches, but Condor offers an experience in Prime Seats that is almost on a par with First Class. The other Business Class seats also offer excellent entertainment above the clouds with 17.3-inch 4K monitors. 

The movie experience is particularly beautiful at night over the Atlantic. The lights are dimmed, the headphones are on – and suddenly the flight feels less like travelling and more like a private cinema at an altitude of 10,000 metres.
Such ideas show how important entertainment and comfort have become for travel.

The picture shows a screen with the in-flight entertainment programme in the backrest of an aircraft seat. Various movies are displayed on the screen. In the foreground are a basket of snacks and a pair of headphones. The recording was made in the cabin of a passenger aircraft.

The flying light show

A modern Airbus A320 contains approximately 2,395 light sources. With an average of around 25 lamps per household, this corresponds to the lighting of almost 100 flats.

The lighting system on board our A330/A32Xneo fleet can do much more than just illuminate the way to the seat. It supports alertness and orientation, but can also promote relaxation, recovery and sleep. The mood lighting influences the atmosphere on board depending on the situation and contributes to the general well-being of our guests in all travel classes.

For special or extraordinary occasions, the so-called Party Mood Light with dynamic colours provides special accents and makes unique moments on board even more tangible. Because sometimes it's the unexpected things that make a travel experience special.

The new cabin concept should not only look modern but also make your stay on board more pleasant.

The picture shows the interior of an aircraft cabin with several rows of seats on either side of a central aisle. The seats are equipped with cushions. In the background, there is a person standing in the aisle. Baggage compartments and lighting can be seen along the cabin ceiling.

The picture shows a passenger plane in a pink-and-white striped livery during flight. The aircraft is shown from a rear angle. The landing gear is extended. — A powerful statement: Condor's FlyPink special livery.

More than just pink stripes

Not every special livery tells just a brand story. Some also speak of courage, hope and solidarity.

With the "FlyPink Plane", Condor and the international FlyPink Initiative are making a visible statement for breast cancer awareness and solidarity with those affected.

However, it's not just the exterior of the aircraft that is pink:
Special safety cards, pink accessories for the crews and information campaigns on board also make the theme visible – and serve as a reminder of how important early detection is.

An aircraft that not only stands out, but also draws attention to an important topic.

Farewell at 35,000 feet

In November 2025, Condor said goodbye to the Boeing 757-300 with a special flight from Frankfurt to Vienna and back. Employees, aviation fans and long-time companions celebrated together an aircraft that had shaped the airline's holiday travel for decades.

An emotional highlight was the last joint flyby of the legendary "757" – a special moment for many guests, crews and aviation fans who share countless memories with this aircraft.

A passenger aeroplane, shown from the side, in a red-and-white striped livery, flying above the clouds.

The most stylish zebra crossing in aviation?

With its 17 distinctive stripes, the new Condor A330neo is one of the most eye-catching aircraft in the sky today. Inspired by umbrellas and beach towels, the striped look quickly became the airline's unmistakable trademark.

While many aircraft look similar in the sky, you can often spot a Condor at first glance.

A passenger aeroplane, shown from the side, in a green-and-white striped livery, flying above the clouds.

Flying pudding, in-flight entertainment, world records or iconic stripes: many of these stories show how Condor has repeatedly broken new ground over the decades. The desire to make travel special continues to shape the airline to this day.