A legendary aircraft has made its grand reappearance as Lufthansa Technik completes the restoration of a Lockheed L-1649A. This iconic aircraft, known as the Super Star, once crowned Lufthansa’s fleet in the late 1950s as its ultimate flagship.
Aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike witnessed a thrilling moment in Hamburg on 17 January. Here, the restored long-haul aircraft rolled out of the hangar on its own landing gear for the first time.
It marked a significant milestone for both the carrier and for aviation preservation.

Lockheed Super Star: Reviving a Legend
The Super Star joined Lufthansa’s fleet in 1957, introducing the prestigious Senator class and revolutionizing transatlantic travel.
Its crowning achievement was the non-stop New York route, a feat that showcased the technological advancement of the era. These pioneering flights, lasting up to 17 hours, departed from Hamburg, which also served as the maintenance hub.
The aircraft’s four powerful piston engines represented the pinnacle of propeller-driven technology on North Atlantic routes at the time. The multi-engine aircraft bridged the gap between classic aviation and the jet age.
The Hamburg roll-out holds special significance for both Lufthansa and Lufthansa Technik. The Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stiftung providing crucial support for this remarkable restoration project.
The location’s historical importance as both a departure point and maintenance center adds an extra layer of meaning to this achievement.

Technical Triumph and Restoration Challenges
The Hamburg technical team faced the complex task of assembling major components with incredible precision.
The project gained momentum in October 2023 with the arrival of the fuselage, wings, distinctive triple tail unit, and 292 wooden crates containing thousands of smaller parts.
While the aircraft won’t take to the skies again, its cockpit stands as a testament to 1950s aviation engineering. It features authentic lighting, flight controls, and movable rudders and flaps operated by cable pulls.
The restoration team paid particular attention to historical accuracy while incorporating necessary modern elements.
Every component underwent careful inspection and restoration, ensuring the aircraft would maintain its historical integrity while meeting contemporary safety and preservation standards.
Following this milestone, the team will begin the delicate process of disassembling the aircraft into larger sections for transport to Münster/Osnabrück Airport in July.
There, technicians will apply a fresh coat of paint matching Lufthansa’s original Parabola-era design, restoring the aircraft to its former visual glory.

Blending Past and Present
The aircraft’s interior perfectly balances vintage aesthetics with modern comfort. Former Lufthansa A340 seats have been expertly reupholstered in luxurious wine-red leather, while historically inspired carpets and curtains complete the authentic 1950s atmosphere.
This thoughtful combination of old and new ensures visitors can experience the golden age of aviation while enjoying contemporary comfort standards.
Frankfurt’s New Aviation Showcase
The restored Super Star will reach its final destination in Frankfurt this October, where it will become the centerpiece of an ambitious new project.
Starting spring 2026, coinciding with Lufthansa’s centennial celebration, it will share the spotlight with the famous Junkers Ju 52 D-AQUI. The two aircraft will be displayed at the Lufthansa Group’s new conference and visitor center.
The architectural design of the facility cleverly incorporates large glass facades, allowing both visitors and passersby to admire these magnificent aviation treasures.
This transparent approach to displaying these historic aircraft ensures they remain visible to the public. They serve as permanent reminders of aviation’s golden age and Lufthansa’s rich heritage in shaping modern air travel.


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