Lufthansa Trolls Qatar With “Diversity Wins” World Cup Plane

Lufthansa Trolls Qatar With “Diversity Wins” World Cup Plane

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Well played, Lufthansa, well played…

Lufthansa unveils “Diversity Wins” Airbus A330

The World Cup is right around the corner, and Lufthansa is the official airline of Germany’s men’s soccer team.

On Monday, November 14, 2022, the airline will be flying players, coaches, and support staff to their training camp in Muscat, Oman. This actually isn’t a charter flight, but rather is a scheduled Airbus A330 flight from Frankfurt to Dubai via Muscat, LH632.

The airline won’t just be using any Airbus A330, though. The airline has painted this plane in a special “Diversity Wins” livery. Here’s how Lufthansa describes this:

Lufthansa is a byword for openness, tolerance, diversity and bringing people together. The company enables its customers from all nations and cultures to connect, and welcomes everyone aboard, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, nationality, identity or sexual orientation. And it is taking this same message – that Diversity Wins! – aloft and around the world, through the special “Fanhansa” livery which it has devised together with illustrator Peter Phobia and applied to its Airbus A330 D-AIKQ.

Lufthansa’s “Diversity Wins” Airbus A330
Lufthansa’s “Diversity Wins” Airbus A330

This will be a controversial World Cup

The World Cup is easily the biggest event that Qatar has ever hosted (or that any country could host, maybe other than the Olympics). Qatar is hoping to showcase what it has to offer, and further elevate its place in the world. Admittedly Qatar is also probably the most controversial country to ever host the World Cup.

Lufthansa is trying to make a point with this obvious message, and that’s great. Lufthansa has had special World Cup liveries in the past. However, they have been more about general enthusiasm for soccer, rather than any specific social message beyond that.

Lufthansa’s 2014 Siegerflieger Fanhansa Boeing 747-8

This will be far from the only human rights and/or equality related controversy we’ll see at the World Cup. For example, many team captains are expected to wear a OneLove armband, intended to be against LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Denmark’s team was going to wear “Human Rights for All” training shirts, but that ended up being rejected by FIFA on technical grounds.

Just a few days ago, Qatar World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman made headlines, when in a television interview he said that gays are welcome in Qatar for the World Cup, but that “they have to accept our rules here.” He went on to say that homosexuality is “damage in the mind.”

I’m curious to see how this all plays out…

Bottom line

Germany has unveiled a special Airbus A330 in a “Diversity Wins” livery, which will be used to fly Germany’s men’s soccer team to the Middle East. Kudos to Lufthansa on this, and I imagine this is only one of many human rights related messages we’ll see from other countries related to this World Cup.

What do you make of Lufthansa’s “Diversity Wins” A330?

Conversations (75)
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  1. Ala Mustafa Guest

    There's a clear mistake in your article, the qatari ambassador never said " the gay are welcome", he couldn't possibly say that, he is a true straight man, and the gay are never welcome in our arabian countries, and they will never be the writer of the article is lying, since I have seen the video here and the ambassador never said the term "welcome"
    I hope for more honesty and accuracy in western...

    There's a clear mistake in your article, the qatari ambassador never said " the gay are welcome", he couldn't possibly say that, he is a true straight man, and the gay are never welcome in our arabian countries, and they will never be the writer of the article is lying, since I have seen the video here and the ambassador never said the term "welcome"
    I hope for more honesty and accuracy in western media, you guys just want to support the gay no matter how much you will have to lie

  2. Peter Guest

    How helpless can a company be? This is beyond pathetic...

  3. Sam Guest

    I think that is besides the point, Qatar is not closed, xenophobic or lacking diversity, their problem is taking full advantage of the migrant workers from poorer countries, terrible working conditions, and total control of those migrants lives throughout their work stay. I doubt that Qatar(or Dubai, or Saudi) are racist, they just took advantage of terrible labor laws, and concentrated on maximum profit for the least expense, essentially, practicing Free Market Economy without any...

    I think that is besides the point, Qatar is not closed, xenophobic or lacking diversity, their problem is taking full advantage of the migrant workers from poorer countries, terrible working conditions, and total control of those migrants lives throughout their work stay. I doubt that Qatar(or Dubai, or Saudi) are racist, they just took advantage of terrible labor laws, and concentrated on maximum profit for the least expense, essentially, practicing Free Market Economy without any scruples. The same has been happening in Dubai/UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, ETC for the past 30 years since Oil Dollars started pouring in.

    1. OH Guest

      Who cares what Lufthansa says. If Lufthansa is free to express their opinion, the Qatar has the right to do that too! The West should stop shoving their agenda down in others' throats. Tomorrow they will start having relationships with horses and donkeys, and call it diversity. BS!

    2. ORD_Is_My_Second_Home Diamond

      From a historic standpoint and some video evidence that's out there if you look, it would seem the Qataris are the ones more likely to have relationships with horses and donkeys.

    3. Ala Mustafa Guest

      The media is very misleading about Qatar's news since the day Qatar came clear about it's moral laws during the world cup about two months ago, the reason of this vigorous lies about Qatar is how the western media want to spread the gay and their acceptance among the world.
      Actually Qatar is very well known for its respect for human rights, I'm not Qatari and I have many cousins (non Qatari of course)...

      The media is very misleading about Qatar's news since the day Qatar came clear about it's moral laws during the world cup about two months ago, the reason of this vigorous lies about Qatar is how the western media want to spread the gay and their acceptance among the world.
      Actually Qatar is very well known for its respect for human rights, I'm not Qatari and I have many cousins (non Qatari of course) working in Qatar for more than ten years and they are very happy there in Qatar and very grateful for the Qatari government and people.
      So there is an extremely obvious -to us as Arabs, extremely obvious western attack against Qatar.

  4. Dave De La Rond Guest

    This is the same Germany who paints one plane with LGBQ colors and then votes to have the racist antisemitic dictatorship in Qatar stage the World Cup and then sells €5 Billion in Technology to the Murdering dictatorship in Iran, what a Farce

  5. Tom_of_few_miles Member

    Trolling? More like putting lipstick on a pig!

    There is no rainbow, no reference to the LGBTQ+ community whatsoever.

    Apologists for this horrid regime will simply explain it as "Diversity = fans from all over the world; nothing to see here!"

  6. Eskimo Guest

    And almost a hundred year ago, they were pushing for Aryan domination.
    So maybe Qatar in the next century?

    Regardless, race isn't a big issue to troll during the World Cup.
    The highlights are the sweatshops that builds the infrastructures and thanks to Netflix on the devious timing, how they bought FIFA and the host selection.

  7. Grenn Guest

    Is this for real? “… illustrator Peter Phobia…”?

  8. more justice Guest

    All this virtue marketing makes me puke. Corporations should not do that. Non-for-profit organizations could dot that. But please, profit-maker stop communicating on how virtuous you are as your existence is only driven by making money; there is nothing wrong about that but just spare us the bullshit and don't try to be something you're not. Thanks.

  9. Uli Guest

    There is no regular Lufthansa FRA-MCT flight. It is in fact a charter with a LH flight number.

  10. Morgan Diamond

    Ben I just watched FIFA uncovered the recent Netflix doco style tv series on how FIFA were corrupt and how the 2018 (Russia) and 2022 (Qatar) world cups were picked by a corrupt executive committee who now half of are in jail.

    Really interesting watch and even relates a bit to Qatar airways and how E.G France did deals with them where by QR would buy Airbus planes so France would vote for Qatar to host the World Cup.

  11. 9volt Diamond

    That livery will show Qatar the error of their ways. Diversity? They’ll get right on it.

  12. iamhere Guest

    This has nothing to do with my points or miles strategy and is not the reason why I choose an airline. So now the world is trying to put on the Middle East their Western views. The man in the brief interview is right. You have to respect their rules, it's their country.

    1. Icarus Guest

      Their rules to practice discrimination and hatred.

      So you’re ok with slavery, provided it’s their country ?

  13. Greg Guest

    Qatar has well over 15 years of experience of hosting major global events. Here is just a list of sporting competitions: "Qatar has become the ideal choice for hosting some of the world's biggest international sport events, including the Asian Games 2006, the AFC Cup 2011, the Arab Games 2011, the 2014 World swimming championship, the 2015 World Men's Handball."

    1. Bob Guest

      There are also some very interesting documentaries about qatar and bribery for said events. There is one now on Netflix about this world cup in fact.

  14. Max Guest

    LOL, Lufthansa is still salty about Qatar Airways outbidding them on the FC Bayern Munich contract and about not playing in the same league as Qatar Airways. Unlike Lufthansa which cares more about ‘diversity’, Qatar Airways cares about its customers and is a consistent, real, true 5*-Star-Airline.

  15. Khalid Salman Guest

    Homosexual is Haram. Damaged in the Mind!!!!

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      *Someone* sounds jealous of all that hot gay sex he’s missing out on.

    2. Petri Diamond

      #Khalid Salman
      If one believes that it is "damage in the mind", shouldn't he feel and show even more compasssion and undestanding, instead of judging?

    3. Inquirer/Answerer Guest

      You can't mandate compassion and understanding.

    4. O'Hare Is My Second Home Guest

      What's that chant that Brighton and Hove Albion FC use? Oh, yes, "You're too ugly to be gay!"

    5. Bob Guest

      I love that my brain damage has given me such an amazing life rich with friends, family and several very expensive cars that you would make you want to damage your mind..... Oh wait you're probably closeted. Those are always the ones so insistent that happy sexuals are wrong. What's wrong and damaging is you grabbing melons when you desperately want the aubergine.

  16. Jack Guest

    Strange to try and link LH with the Qatar world cup. LH does not even mention Qatar in their release that you posted. Seems to me, it is you making the connection and not LH

  17. Lee Guest

    Isn't Lufthansa the airline whose agents were recently caught on video denying ALL Jewish individuals from boarding a flight because the Jews (rather than specific individuals) were causing problems , , , and then denied it happened?

    1. EK_engineer Guest

      @Lee

      Yup, the very airline caught red-handed discriminating against Jews. Sorry Lufty, you can't have it both ways.

    2. Dave Guest

      As you may know, it was because the entire group refused to wear masks, whcih was airline policy at that time .

    3. Wrong!! Guest

      @dave
      I'm sorry but this is factually incorrect. First of all they denied boarding to (almost) all visibly Jewish people dressed in Hassidic attire regardless of the fact that they were not part of any group! They bought their tickets by themselves and were traveling as individuals. They just happened to all be traveling to the same destination for the pilgrimage to the grave of their saint "reb shaya" in honor of the yearly...

      @dave
      I'm sorry but this is factually incorrect. First of all they denied boarding to (almost) all visibly Jewish people dressed in Hassidic attire regardless of the fact that they were not part of any group! They bought their tickets by themselves and were traveling as individuals. They just happened to all be traveling to the same destination for the pilgrimage to the grave of their saint "reb shaya" in honor of the yearly anniversary of his death. That's like calling all visibly black or Muslim people on a plane a "group" because they all have the same skin color or are all wearing white robes and head turbans. Second of all even amongst those which were part of an actual group (all their tickets were booked by 1 travel agent), it wasn't the entire group who refused to mask as you wrote, but rather a few people in that group. Third of all, as you can clearly see in the photos posted on dansdeals, there were also several "gentiles" who weren't properly masked and were also connecting to Budapest on the same flight, yet none of them were denied boarding. So please look at the facts before you post things.

  18. David Guest

    For many of you, your tolerance and acceptance only goes as far as something you agree with. Real tolerance and acceptable would include an understanding that Qatar has different views on these things. They have to accept your views. But you're not willing to understand or accept their differences.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      Ah, the old “You must tolerate intolerance if you’re really tolerant!” trope.

      Drink!

    2. joeblonik787 Diamond

      What if their laws said that being a middle-class straight white male is forbidden? Should the world just “accept their differences” in that case as well?

  19. Joe Guest

    Trying to convince a deep islamic state to accept homosexuality just because a football championship is taking place. The WC should not have been given to Qatar in the first place with its contemporary political and cultural development are not compatible to the western standards of the usual host nation.
    Playing in the dessert heat, no alkohol etc. are some topics which do not appeal to the western fans. Now it is getting political...

    Trying to convince a deep islamic state to accept homosexuality just because a football championship is taking place. The WC should not have been given to Qatar in the first place with its contemporary political and cultural development are not compatible to the western standards of the usual host nation.
    Playing in the dessert heat, no alkohol etc. are some topics which do not appeal to the western fans. Now it is getting political and hrowing topics like homosexuality, slave labour, human rights in to the ring. Are we still talking about soccer or is this only a beginning of trashing down deep islamic states in the region and its problems?

    1. World Cup Guest

      Good Luck Forcing your opinion on the rest of the world!

    2. Ben Guest

      Always these lazy lies propagated by western media, how about some facts:
      - there is no dessert heat in November/December in the middle east, its similar to summer in Western Europe
      - alcohol has been legal in Qatar since ever and is enjoyed even by locals at various establishments, rules have been relaxed even more for the event

  20. JH Guest

    Diversity doesn't win...talent and ability do.

  21. Sel, D. Guest

    Not very tolerant of the LGBTQWIIAAKPPS2+ community to have a Peter Phobia.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      Thank you for adding literally nothing to the conversation.

      Now say “Derp.”

    2. SwimBikeFly Guest

      Thanks for posting a comment that add literally nothing to the conversation.

  22. Reza Guest

    What do they mean? minorities and colored people are suffering from abuse and racism in Germany . If they care about tolerance diversity,they must start from Germany

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      They can address multiple issues simultaneously, it’s not zero sum.

      But you knew that.

      You’re just intellectually dishonest and disingenuous in your fake “logic.”

  23. Charles Guest

    Haha When this plane is approaching Qatar.. and requesting clearance from air traffic control. - Incoming MASSIVE HOLDING PATTERN

  24. Adams900 Guest

    Screw this World Cup and screw Qatar. Sports washing at its finest. GTFO.

  25. Lucy Guest

    Judging from some of the comments here, there is still a long way to go.
    Anyway, kudos to LH

  26. Michael Guest

    China hosted the 2008 summer and the 2022 winter Olympics. As far as I can remember I didn't see any Lufthansa planes with special liveries and everyone and their mother knows the human rights record that country has. Lufthansa reminds me of the playground bully, picking on kids that he can easily beat and avoiding the ones that he can't. I have flown Lufthansa and I can safely say that their money would be better...

    China hosted the 2008 summer and the 2022 winter Olympics. As far as I can remember I didn't see any Lufthansa planes with special liveries and everyone and their mother knows the human rights record that country has. Lufthansa reminds me of the playground bully, picking on kids that he can easily beat and avoiding the ones that he can't. I have flown Lufthansa and I can safely say that their money would be better spent in providing better service. An airline should concentrate in providing a good service rather than being a social justice platform.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      Did LH painting a plane in a way you don’t like impact the service level you received (or didn’t)?

      If so, how?

      Oh, wait, paint jobs and service levels have nothing to do with each other, and you’re erecting a straw man argument just to bitch.

      Next time don’t forget to scream “woke!” and
      “the children!”

    2. Dave Guest

      No he’s not saying that. He’s saying spend the pInt-job money on training for better service. And since when did it become a national airline’s role to promote liberal politics? They should stick to flying.

  27. Icarus Guest

    Didn’t Khalid Salman also claim holding hands isn’t a sign of affection

    They are all hypocrites anyhow.

  28. Nikojas Guest

    As a gay man reading a blog written by a gay man these comments are rather depressing.

    1. Bob Guest

      Look at it this way. At least we can actually say gay...other than the state of desantis.

    2. 305 Guest

      Ah yeah more nonsense about that. Guess you can’t read 7 pages of material, shocked you’re even reading this blog then.

      Btw Lucky (and I) live in said state. We can scream gay 24/7/365 if we wish, and most will applaud it.

      Stop with the over-the-top FL stereotypes, please. You’re just feeding the growing DeSanctis fire

  29. Lune Diamond

    Sticking to the travel blog theme...

    How much does it cost to repaint an airplane?

    There are lots of special liveries out there, but my assumption is those aren't temporary and so it doesn't cost any extra compared to painting them in the usual livery.

    But something special like this, which is probably only meant to be on for a year or even less, seems like it would be quite an expense. Unless planes have to get repainted every year or something?

    1. Liaquat Guest

      Lufthansa is advertising for Worldcup 2022 in Qatar Temparary, not Permanente due A/C need paint for 1 Year than Airline will charge, because our Deutschland German Weltmeister Football Team also participating in Qatar.

    2. Max Guest

      It’s not a painting, it’s just some printed stickers. Not that expensive, costing less than an advertisement in a newspaper/magazine but getting more attention.

  30. Daniel from Finland Guest

    This is so funny. Like anyone in Qatar will care the least bit.

    1. Samo Guest

      They won't. But. There is a reason why dictatorships invest into these events - they try to use this for propaganda purposes, trying to improve their image abroad and present themselves as a modern country.

      Calling them out on these issues serves a very important purpose.

  31. KK13 Diamond

    I have huge disregard for Qatar, FIFA and how Blatter pocketed the money to give Qatar the WC venue. And of course, how the Qataris treated the laborers from SE Asia and hates LGBTQ community.

    All being said, Lufthansa is still one of the worst airlines that was voted to be in Top 10 airlines in the world not too long ago. How do you think that happened, Luft?

    1. tobulus2803 Guest

      Wen interessiert eigentlich was Du so von Dir gibst ?
      Du musst nicht mit Lufthansa fliegen und auch keinen Fussball schauen, wenn Dir alles nicht passt.

  32. Nick Guest

    Is this from the airline that banned Orthodox Jews on their plane because they disn't wear a facemask?

    1. Max Springbock Guest

      Nope, because they weren't "banned". This particular group on one flight didn’t want to wear face masks, which at the time was enforcement by the German government. Hence, they were not permitted to board.

      It's people like you who make the world worse. Just try to stick to the facts without blowing it up to make it sound more dramatic.

    2. Donato Guest

      I suggest you revisit the incident. LH personnel denied boarding to any passengers of Jewish appearance ready to board an intra-Europe flight based on reports of mask refusal on a previous flight. The decision was one by one based on garb and appearance. The creme dela creme was the video recording of an LH? ground employee stating that Jews caused the issue, all Jews must suffer.
      To simplify, Jews were banned, regardless of each...

      I suggest you revisit the incident. LH personnel denied boarding to any passengers of Jewish appearance ready to board an intra-Europe flight based on reports of mask refusal on a previous flight. The decision was one by one based on garb and appearance. The creme dela creme was the video recording of an LH? ground employee stating that Jews caused the issue, all Jews must suffer.
      To simplify, Jews were banned, regardless of each passengers culpability or even having been on the prior flight.
      Stating facts that are not true and repeating them often does not make it true, that was settled in German history after WW2
      You are likely a German speaker (based upon your style of writing), this should not mean restating history. For the record, the CEO of LH has admitted what happened, you must have chosen to miss the update.

  33. Mantis Guest

    Qatar is who they are when they were selected. Why complain now? Europe will make deals with anyone if it benefits them in the short term: Iran, china, etc. They were transferring technology to china in the 90s in exchange for market access. I know, I was there.

    1. EWR2TXL Guest

      They wouldn't transport anyone without a mask. It's only discrimination if the rules don't apply to all equally.

  34. Roman Guest

    I guess going forward any time there is a message of inclusion and acceptance we should take the viewpoint that we are being trolled by the group initializing it.

  35. Grant Guest

    Shoving more globalist dreck down their throats will surely make those uNeDuCaTeD losers in the Middle East love us.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      Who cares if those in the ME love you?

      Answer: NOBODY.

      It’s just an airplane, Mary.

  36. DM Guest

    Some would argue that Summer (or for that matter even Winter) Olympics are probably the biggest (and most complicated from administrative perspective) event that any country could host.

    Also, don’t you think other conservative middle eastern counties (e.g. Saudi Arabia or Syria or even Iran/Iraq) could also be the contenders for “most controversial country to host a World Cup”?

    Just putting it here for perspective since a lot of bloggers freely provide their opinion of...

    Some would argue that Summer (or for that matter even Winter) Olympics are probably the biggest (and most complicated from administrative perspective) event that any country could host.

    Also, don’t you think other conservative middle eastern counties (e.g. Saudi Arabia or Syria or even Iran/Iraq) could also be the contenders for “most controversial country to host a World Cup”?

    Just putting it here for perspective since a lot of bloggers freely provide their opinion of certain things (read the recent article on VFTW re: his opinions on airlines and hotels) with superlatives that are so subjective.

    1. James Guest

      This isn’t quite the troll you think it is. Diversity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Maybe a better one would be meritocracy and acceptance regardless of gender/sex/sexual preference.

    2. digital_notmad Diamond

      Diversity is indeed "all it's cracked up to be" on its own merits, but the fact that it drives bigots like James mad is icing on the cake.

    3. VitaliU Gold

      an opinion, it is subjective by definition, isn’t it?

      Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran or Iraq are not hosting the World Cup, are they? So this is just a good example of “what about”-ism

  37. 305 Guest

    Besides the Denmark training shirt being banned, Denmark typically wear red. Their official match kit for the tournament is black in response to Qatar’s human rights violations

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

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TravelinWilly Diamond

Ah, the old “You must tolerate intolerance if you’re really tolerant!” trope. Drink!

6
VitaliU Gold

an opinion, it is subjective by definition, isn’t it? Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran or Iraq are not hosting the World Cup, are they? So this is just a good example of “what about”-ism

6
Max Springbock Guest

Nope, because they weren't "banned". This particular group on one flight didn’t want to wear face masks, which at the time was enforcement by the German government. Hence, they were not permitted to board. It's people like you who make the world worse. Just try to stick to the facts without blowing it up to make it sound more dramatic.

5
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