Lufthansa Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Historic Aircraft Assembly
Lufthansa has proudly finished assembling two remarkable aircraft at its Hangar One facility, located near Frankfurt Airport. The Junkers Ju 52 and Lockheed L-1649A Super Star will serve as the main attractions when the airline unveils its new conference and visitor center in 2026, marking the centenary of Deutsche Luft Hansa’s establishment.
A Journey from Paderborn to Frankfurt
The cherished Junkers Ju 52, affectionately known as “Aunt Ju,” spent the last four years at Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport (PAD), where it was lovingly restored by a group of aviation enthusiasts called the Quax Association.
Both aircraft arrived in Frankfurt in segments, transported on heavy trucks, and have now been meticulously reassembled near the airport. The Ju 52, identified as D-AQUI, is owned by the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin Stiftung.
“With our Ju 52, we are preserving the history of Lufthansa and aviation,” stated Wolfgang von Richthofen, Project Manager for Lufthansa Group’s Conference and Visitor Center.
“The historic aircraft will significantly enhance the exhibition at our new visitor center, making it accessible to customers, employees, aviation aficionados, and the general public,” von Richthofen continued.
The Junkers Ju 52 made its debut in Lufthansa’s fleet in 1932, quickly becoming integral to its operations. Remarkably, this aircraft accounted for half of the airline’s fleet at one point.
Known for its distinctive three-engine layout and corrugated metal fuselage, the Ju 52 was revered for its reliability and capability to navigate rough, unpaved runways.
Originally conceived as a single-engine model in 1930, the three-engine variant rose to prominence. While thousands were manufactured, only a few are still operational today. The D-AQUI in Frankfurt, adorned in the airline’s 1936 livery, was acquired by Lufthansa in 1984 to mark its 60th anniversary.
The Super Star: A Relic from the Golden Age of Travel
The Lockheed L-1649A Super Star became part of the fleet in 1957, symbolizing the luxurious era of air travel. This aircraft was notable for introducing the exclusive Senator class, offering nonstop flights across the North Atlantic to New York; these journeys could stretch up to 17 hours from Hamburg Airport (HAM).
With a length of 35.42 meters and a wingspan of 45.18 meters, the four-engine Super Star represents a transition from the propeller-driven age to the upcoming era of jets.
Lufthansa Group’s Hangar One adjacent to the Lufthansa Aviation Center at Frankfurt Airport serves various functions: it acts as a workspace for employees, a meeting venue for business partners, and a hub for aviation enthusiasts.
A stunning glass façade allows visitors to glimpse the historic aircraft from outside, while an open gallery within displays previously unseen artifacts from Lufthansa’s rich history. The center will also host external events and features a cozy coffee lounge. Its opening aligns perfectly with Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary.
What do you think about Lufthansa’s efforts to preserve aviation history?
