Two Auctions, More Than €100,000 Raised – When Lufthansa History Creates a Better Future

Auctioning A380 Seats and Merchandise4Good Items for the Benefit of help alliance and Cargo Human Care

In the year of Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary, two eBay charity auctions raised more than €100,000 combined. What they had in common: items with a story to tell that did not quietly disappear, but found a new purpose – bringing joy to their new owners while supporting meaningful social projects.

This was made possible by colleagues from many different areas of the Lufthansa Group who contributed their time, ideas, and networks. Our heartfelt thanks go to all departments and teams involved for providing items and supporting these initiatives.

A Piece of Aviation History for a Good Cause

D-AIMB – bearing the nickname “Mike Bravo” and named after the city of Munich -entered service on January 22, 2010. In more than 46,700 flight hours, the aircraft covered approximately 35 to 40 million kilometers – roughly 900 to 1,000 trips around the Earth.

As part of Lufthansa’s fleet modernization program, its Business Class seats were removed and in search of a new home.

A total of 39 seats found one, including five highly sought-after units featuring the exclusive First Row Monument. The auction generated approximately €62,000, demonstrating how many people were willing to bid for a genuine piece of Lufthansa history.

As a special thank-you, the three highest bidders will receive a private tour of Lufthansa’s facilities in Frankfurt, organized by Tim Kaya, who initiated the auction.

The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of many dedicated colleagues: Tim Kaya and Dr. Björn Becker, Fokko Doyen, as well as Birijo Weinhold and Andrea Pernkopf, who supported the auction conceptually and ensured its connection to the beneficiary projects. Marvin Behne handled the entire eBay transaction and coordinated shipping together with Florian Pfaff and Norbert Pahlsmeyer.

The proceeds will be shared equally between help alliance and Cargo Human Care, directly supporting help alliance projects worldwide as well as educational and scholarship programs for young people in Kenya.

Merchandise4Good: Unique Items Given a Second Life

At the same time, volunteer colleagues from the Lufthansa Group have launched another auction on behalf of help alliance: Merchandise4Good.

More than 500 items found new owners, including an ITA Airways A320 Wing Fence (€1,200), a VHF antenna (€525), and a First Class boarding sign (€509).The auction raised approximately €37,500.

The proceeds will benefit two help alliance projects: “Waste for Hope” in the Philippines, which combines environmental education, income-generating opportunities, and disaster preparedness, and “Bridges to Independence” in Hamburg, which supports young adults with disabilities and their families on their path toward greater self-determination and independence. Special thanks go to the teams that provided articles, including Graphics Solutions, GuideU, Used Aircraft, and Fleet Procurement & Aircraft Trading.

What Remains

Retired Lufthansa products that might otherwise have been discarded have now been given a second life – in living rooms, offices, and collections of people who genuinely appreciate them.

At the same time, the proceeds are funding vocational training opportunities in Kenya, supporting the “Waste for Hope” project in the Philippines, and helping young people in Hamburg build more independent lives.

The fact that retired aircraft parts can create new opportunities is thanks to the extraordinary commitment of everyone involved. Through passion, countless hours of work, and a shared vision, our colleagues have transformed Lufthansa history into real and lasting impact.