An important chapter in aviation history returns: On January 17, 2025, Lufthansa Technik presented in Hamburg the final roll-out of a lavishly restored Lockheed L-1649A Super Star, which was built in the late 1950s. It was considered a technical masterpiece and will in future be part of a Exhibition reminiscent of the golden age of propeller aircraft.
The Lockheed Super Star joined the Lufthansa fleet in 1957 and set standards in transatlantic air traffic. With its ability to fly non-stop from Germany to New York, it significantly reduced travel time and offered the exclusive Senator class on board for the first time. Equipped with four powerful piston engines, it was one of the last large propeller aircraft before the jet era began.
The Lockheed L-1649A is historically anchored primarily in Hamburg, where Lufthansa’s maintenance base was once located. This symbolic connection made the roll-out at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters a special event.
A technical challenge
The restoration of the Lockheed Super Star was a task of considerable complexity. Since October 2023, Lufthansa Technik teams have been working on the assembly of several large assemblies, including the fuselage, wings and the distinctive triple tail. A total of 292 wooden boxes were delivered with smaller components that had to be assembled precisely.
Particular attention was paid to the cockpit, which was restored to its original 1950s condition. Working lighting, control elements and moving cables that operate rudders and flaps demonstrate the engineering skill of this era and make the aircraft an impressive testament to historical technology.
Onward journey to Münster/Osnabrück
Although the aircraft is not airworthy, it will be broken down into segments again in the next few months in preparation for transport to Münster/Osnabrück Airport. There the paintwork is carried out in the “Parabolic Phase” design, a striking color scheme that Lufthansa used in the 1950s.
In addition to the exterior restoration, the interior is also being extensively redesigned. The cabin is based on the style of the 1950s, combining historical looks with modern technology. The seats, originally from a decommissioned Lufthansa A340, were reworked and upholstered in burgundy leather, while carpets and curtains were based on historical patterns.
Final exhibition in Frankfurt
After the restoration work is completed, the Lockheed Super Star will be transported to Frankfurt in October 2025, where it will be exhibited in the Lufthansa Group’s new visitor and conference center from spring 2026. The center, which opens every year to mark the 100th anniversary of Lufthansa’s founding, will also house the legendary Junkers Ju 52 D-AQUI. Both aircraft are presented as central exhibits in a glass hall, allowing them to be admired both from inside and outside.
With the restoration of the Lockheed Super Star, Lufthansa is creating an important cultural and technical monument that honors both the history of civil aviation and its own historical contribution to the development of global air transport.
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