The former flagship of Lufthansa, the Lockheed L-1649A Super Star, has been meticulously restored to its 1950s glory, complete with its classic livery. In recent weeks, the aircraft underwent a full repaint at Münster/Osnabrück Airport, a task entrusted to Altitude Paint Services (APS). The work was made possible through the generous contribution of Hamburg-based manufacturer Mankiewicz, which provided approximately 500 litres of specialist paint free of charge.
One of the most challenging aspects of the restoration was the recreation of Lufthansa’s iconic parabolas – the sweeping curves that formed a central feature of the airline’s historic design. These were painstakingly reproduced using archival materials and a detailed paint plan devised by the Graphics Solutions department at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, ensuring a faithful return to the aircraft’s original appearance.
This week, the Super Star will be transported by heavy-duty vehicle to Frankfurt Airport. From spring 2026, it will be a centrepiece of the Lufthansa Group’s new conference and visitor centre, where it will stand alongside another legend of aviation, the Junkers Ju 52 D-AQUI. The unveiling will coincide with celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the original Lufthansa.
The Lockheed Super Star holds a special place in the airline’s history. Introduced in 1957, it was the first Lufthansa aircraft to offer the exclusive “Senator Class” service, a premium travel experience for long-haul passengers. It was chiefly deployed on the prestigious nonstop transatlantic route to New York. Technologically advanced for its time, the four-engine piston aircraft represented the pinnacle of propeller-driven airliners before the jet age took over. The demanding flights could last up to 17 hours, operating out of Hamburg, which also housed the aircraft’s maintenance base.
Measuring 35.42 metres in length, with a wingspan of 45.18 metres and a height of 7.12 metres, the Super Star remains an imposing symbol of post-war aviation and Lufthansa’s early international ambitions. Its restoration not only preserves a piece of aviation heritage but also offers a tangible link to the golden age of air travel.
