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Lufthansa Acknowledges Nazi Past in Forced Labor Study

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lufthansa commissioned a scientific study into its use of forced labor during National Socialism.
CEO Carsten Spohr said the airline was part of the Nazi system and involved in rearmament as it moves toward its centenary.
Historian Manfred Grieger said Lufthansa aligned with the Nazi regime, becoming a state-subsidized airline.
By 1944, two-thirds of its revenue came from armaments contracts.

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Story summary

Lufthansa commissioned a scientific study into its use of forced labor during National Socialism.
CEO Carsten Spohr said the airline was part of the Nazi system and involved in rearmament as it moves toward its centenary.
Historian Manfred Grieger said Lufthansa aligned with the Nazi regime, becoming a state-subsidized airline.
By 1944, two-thirds of its revenue came from armaments contracts.