Lufthansa has brought a legendary piece of aviation history back to life. The airline, in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik, has completed the extensive restoration of a Lockheed L-1649A, famously known as the “Super Star.” This iconic aircraft, the pride of Lufthansa’s fleet in the late 1950s, made its public reappearance on January 17. Rolling out of its Hamburg hangar on its landing gear for the first time, the moment marked a milestone in aviation restoration and thrilled aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

The Super Star Returns

First introduced to Lufthansa’s fleet in 1957, the Lockheed Super Star redefined luxury air travel with its innovative Senator Class, offering non-stop transatlantic flights to New York. This engineering marvel, powered by four piston engines, was the last word in propeller-driven aviation on North Atlantic routes, with flights lasting up to 17 hours.

The Hamburg roll-out took place at a location of significant historical importance to Lufthansa, which maintained the aircraft there during its heyday. The restoration project, supported by the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stiftung, reflects Lufthansa’s commitment to preserving its legacy.

Painstaking Restoration

The ambitious restoration began in October 2023 when key components, including the fuselage, wings, and signature triple tail unit, arrived in Hamburg. Accompanying these were 292 crates of smaller parts, each meticulously inspected and assembled by Lufthansa Technik’s skilled team.

One of the most remarkable features of the restored aircraft is its cockpit, which retains its authentic 1950s design. Functional lighting, controls, and movable rudders and flaps highlight the engineering excellence of that era, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship that made the Super Star a technical masterpiece.

Now that the assembly is complete, the aircraft will be disassembled into large segments and transported to Münster/Osnabrück Airport in July for repainting in Lufthansa’s historic “Parabola” livery, capturing the essence of its original glory.

Classic Meets Modern

While the restoration pays homage to the 1950s, the cabin introduces a blend of vintage elegance and contemporary comfort. Seats sourced from a former Lufthansa A340 have been reupholstered in luxurious wine-red leather, complemented by period-accurate carpets and curtains. The design bridges the past and present, celebrating the Super Star’s heritage while elevating its charm.

A New Home in Frankfurt

This fall, the fully restored Lockheed Super Star will travel to Frankfurt, where it will take pride of place alongside the iconic Junkers Ju 52 D-AQUI. The two aircraft will form the centerpiece of Lufthansa Group’s new conference and visitor center, set to open in spring 2026 as part of the airline’s 100th-anniversary celebrations.

With its glass façade, the center will ensure these aviation legends are on full display, allowing visitors to marvel at their timeless beauty.

Lufthansa’s restoration of the Lockheed Super Star not only revives an aviation icon but also ensures its legacy inspires future generations. This ambitious project is a fitting tribute to the airline’s storied history and its enduring commitment to excellence.

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