Forget flowers or a box of chocolates — if you really want to honour someone who has changed your life, how about putting their name on the side of an aeroplane? That is the idea behind a new competition from Eurowings, the German low-cost carrier and part of the Lufthansa Group.
The airline is inviting residents across Europe to nominate people who, in its words, “make a real difference through their kindness, support and appreciation of others.” The winner will have their nominee’s name painted on one of Eurowings’ aircraft, a permanent tribute in the skies.
“Every Eurowings aircraft connects people and brings them closer to those who matter most,” said Max Kownatzki, CEO of Eurowings. “With ‘Name a Plane’, we are celebrating the people who make life easier for others. Often, it is the small, everyday gestures that make the greatest difference. Putting their name on one of our aircraft is our way of giving that contribution the recognition it deserves.”
How to take part
Nominations can be submitted between now and 11 October on the dedicated page eurowings.com/nameaplane. Entrants must explain, in 250 to 400 characters, how the person they nominate makes their life easier or brighter. Each person may submit one entry, and the competition is open to residents of Europe aged 18 and over.
The initiative taps into a broader trend of companies seeking to create emotional connections with customers. For Eurowings, which operates a network of routes across Germany and beyond, the campaign also highlights the role aviation plays in bringing people together — a theme that resonates in a continent where travel is both a convenience and a necessity.
While the competition is light-hearted, it comes at a time when the aviation industry is facing serious challenges, from climate concerns to economic pressures. Airlines are increasingly looking for ways to engage passengers beyond ticket sales, and naming a plane after an everyday hero is a relatively low-cost but high-impact gesture.
For those who want to participate, the key is to craft a compelling story. Whether it is a neighbour who checks in on you, a colleague who goes the extra mile, or a family member who provides unwavering support, the nomination should convey genuine appreciation.
Eurowings has not yet announced how many aircraft will be renamed or when the winner will be revealed, but the competition is open to all European residents, reflecting the airline’s cross-border ambitions. The carrier, which is based in Düsseldorf and has hubs in several German cities, serves destinations across the continent and beyond.
As the deadline approaches, potential nominators might want to consider the broader context of European travel. The aviation sector is a vital part of the EU’s economy, and initiatives like this one can help humanise an industry often seen as faceless. In a year marked by political turbulence and economic uncertainty, a little recognition for everyday kindness might be just what Europe needs.
So, if you know someone who makes your life easier — whether through small acts of kindness or steadfast support — this is your chance to give them a tribute that will literally fly across the continent.
