Lufthansa Technik (LHT) has successfully completed the extensive assembly of a Lockheed L-1649A Super Star, which was the flagship of the Lufthansa fleet in the late 1950s. On Friday, January 17, the fully restored long-haul aircraft was rolled out from the hangar on its own landing gear for the first time in Hamburg, a moment that captivated aviation enthusiasts.
The Lockheed Super Star joined Lufthansa’s fleet in 1957, offering the exclusive Senator class for the first time. It primarily serviced the non-stop route between Hamburg and New York, a significant milestone in transatlantic aviation. The aircraft was a technical marvel, with its four piston engines marking the end of the classic propeller-driven era on North Atlantic routes. The flights, lasting up to 17 hours, departed from Hamburg, which also served as the base for aircraft maintenance. The aircraft’s roll-out took place at this historically important location for both Lufthansa and LHT. The Lufthansa German Airlines Berlin Foundation is partnering with Lufthansa Technik to support this exceptional project.
The restoration team in Hamburg faced the challenge of assembling several large components with precision. In October 2023, the fuselage, wings, distinctive triple tail unit and 292 wooden crates of smaller parts were delivered. A standout feature of this non-airworthy restoration is the cockpit, which has been faithfully recreated to reflect the 1950s design. The lighting and controls are fully functional, while cable pulls allow the rudders and flaps to be moved – a tribute to the engineering expertise of that era.
After its roll-out, the aircraft will be dismantled into larger segments in the coming weeks for transport to Münster/Osnabrück Airport in July. There, it will undergo repainting in the original Lufthansa design from the Parabola phase.
The cabin has been designed to evoke the style of the 1950s while incorporating modern technology. The seats, originally from a Lufthansa A340, have been painstakingly redesigned and upholstered in wine-red leather. The carpet and curtains also reflect historical patterns, bringing the vintage experience into the present.
Once repainted, the Lockheed Super Star is scheduled to arrive in Frankfurt in October. It will become one of the main attractions at Lufthansa Group’s new conference and visitor centre, which is set to open in spring 2026, coinciding with Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary. With a glass façade, the aircraft and other exhibits will be visible from the outside, providing a striking and historic display for all to admire.
