Forty years ago, 24 "Red Caps" turned up for work at the launch in Frankfurt of Lufthansa's special service for people in need of assistance.

Their job is to help and host mothers with small children, unaccompanied minors, elderly people and disabled passengers especially in the airport area.

Today, although the red cap is no longer part of the uniform but has been replaced by red badges on the assistants' lapels, the nickname has become common usage and stands for the personal and helpful care rendered by special service staff.

In Frankfurt alone, Lufthansa employs over 400 staff on its special service to look after unaccompanied minors, senior citizens, people with ailments or the disabled travelling with the airline.