On August 26, 2025, the wings of Lufthansa’s restored Lockheed L-1649A Super Star arrived in Frankfurt. This marks a big step in bringing back a piece of aviation history. The aircraft will soon be on display for all to see. Lufthansa fans and history buffs are excited about this event.
The Super Star is a classic plane from the 1950s. It joined Lufthansa’s fleet in 1957. Back then, it was the first plane to offer the special Senator Class. This class gave passengers more comfort on long flights.
The plane flew nonstop from Hamburg to New York. These trips could last up to 17 hours. It used piston engines, unlike today’s fast jets. The Super Star stands for a golden age of air travel.
Lufthansa started in 1953. Now, it is getting ready for its 100th birthday in 2026. The Super Star will play a key role in the celebrations.
The Long Road to Restoration
The restoration of the Lockheed L-1649A began in 2008. It happened in Auburn, Maine, in the United States. The goal was to make the plane fly again. A lot of money was spent—about €150 million.
But in 2018, the project stopped. The costs were too high. The plane sat unused for a while. Then, in October 2023, it moved to Hamburg, Germany.
In Hamburg, experts at Lufthansa Technik put it together. In January 2025, the plane rolled out on its own wheels for the first time. This was a proud moment for the team.
Next, the plane was taken apart for transport. The fuselage, wings, and tail went in separate pieces. They also packed 292 crates of small parts.
Painting the Iconic Look
In July 2025, the parts reached Münster/Osnabrück Airport. There, the fuselage got a fresh coat of paint. The company Altitude Paint Services did the job.
They used special paint from Mankiewicz. About 500 liters were donated. The design came from old Lufthansa records. The famous parabolas—curved lines on the plane—were a big challenge.
The paint job took three weeks. It now looks just like it did in the 1950s. The plane’s new registration is D-ALAN.
The wings stayed fully put together. They include flaps, engines, and landing gear. Each wing is 22 meters long and weighs eight tons with the frame.
Arrival and Assembly in Frankfurt
On August 14, 2025, the fuselage arrived in Frankfurt. It was a careful move. Then, on August 26, the wings followed.
Gruber Logistics handled the transport. The wings’ width was 6.4 meters. This needed special permits and planning. Two big forklifts lifted them slowly.
The lifts were exact. They moved millimeter by millimeter. The center of gravity had to stay balanced. Lufthansa called it a “masterstroke of precision.”
Now, the parts are at the new Conference & Visitor Center (CVC) site. Workers will attach the wings to the fuselage. The full plane will be 35 meters long with a 45-meter wingspan.
Inside the Cabin and Future Display
The inside of the Super Star is restored too. It has the authentic 1950s style. Seats and features match the old days. Visitors will see it for the first time.
The CVC is being built since 2024. It is near Frankfurt Airport. The center will open in spring 2026. It will host meetings, events, and tours.
Employees, customers, and fans can visit. There will be exhibits from Lufthansa’s history. Some items are new to the public. A coffee lounge will serve food and drinks.
The Super Star will stand with the Junkers Ju 52. Both are historic planes. They show how far aviation has come.
Why This Matters Today
This project honors Lufthansa’s past. It connects old times with now. Modern planes like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 fly fast. But the Super Star reminds us of slower, elegant flights.
Aviation lovers in the USA, UK, and Canada will enjoy this story. Many remember the Lockheed Starliner from books or museums. Now, it lives again in Frankfurt.
The restoration shows teamwork. From Maine to Germany, many helped. It keeps history alive for new generations.
Lufthansa wants to share its story. The CVC will be a hub for that. Come spring 2026, the Super Star will shine bright.
This event is part of bigger plans. Lufthansa turns 100 soon. Celebrations will include more surprises. Stay tuned for updates.
In total, this restoration brings joy to many. It proves old planes can still inspire. The Lockheed Super Star has its wings—and a new home.