Lufthansa Unveils Vintage Lockheed Super Star

Lufthansa Adds Classic Aircraft to Collection

A significant moment in aviation history is capturing public attention again: Lufthansa Technik has finished the detailed assembly of a Lockheed L-1649A. This Super Star aircraft model served as the crown jewel of the Lufthansa fleet in the late 1950s. On Friday (January 17), the wholly restored long-haul plane was wheeled out of the hangar on its landing gear for the first time, rolling out in Hamburg—a moment that delighted aviation fans and the general public.

The return of an icon

In 1957, Lufthansa welcomed the Lockheed Super Star to its fleet, introducing the Senator class as the most exclusive travel option. This service primarily provided non-stop flights to New York across the Atlantic. The aircraft was a remarkable technical achievement, marking the end of classic propeller-driven planes on North Atlantic routes with its four-piston engines. These flights, lasting as long as 17 hours, departed from Hamburg, which also housed the maintenance base. Consequently, the roll-out occurred at a site that held significant importance for both Lufthansa and Lufthansa Technik. The Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stiftung is collaborating with this unique project as a supporting partner.

The Hamburg technical team first assembled several significant components. In October 2023, they received the fuselage, wings, distinctive triple tail unit, and 292 wooden crates filled with smaller parts. Notably, the non-flying assembly includes a cockpit faithfully replicating the original design from the 1950s. Both the lighting and controls are operational, and cable pulls allow the rudders and flaps to move—an impressive feature that honours the engineering expertise of that period.

Once the rollout is complete, the aircraft will be divided into larger sections and moved to Münster/Osnabrück Airport in July. It will be repainted there to reflect the original Lufthansa design from the Parabola phase.

New cabin with a vintage look

The cabin is based on the style of the 1950s but with modern technology. The seats, for example, come from an earlier Lufthansa A340 and have been elaborately redesigned and upholstered in wine-red leather. The carpet and curtains are also based on historical patterns.

A new home in Frankfurt

Once painted, the Lockheed Super Star will arrive in Frankfurt in October. Together with the legendary Junkers Ju 52 D-AQUI, it will be the main attraction of the Lufthansa Group’s new conference and visitor centre from spring 2026, just in time for the 100th anniversary of Lufthansa’s founding. Thanks to a glass façade, the exhibits will be visible from the outside.