Lufthansa celebrates the return of the Lockheed Super Star
Iconic aircraft from the 1950s
Lufthansa Technik has completed the meticulous restoration of the iconic Lockheed L-1649A Super Star, once the crown jewel of the Lufthansa fleet. On January 17, 2025, the fully restored long-haul aircraft made its public debut, rolling out of the hangar on its landing gear at Lufthansa Technik’s facilities in Hamburg.
The moment was a triumph for aviation enthusiasts and history lovers alike, as this legendary aircraft was revealed for the first time in decades.
The Lockheed Super Star first joined Lufthansa’s fleet in 1957. The introduction of the Senator class, the epitome of exclusive service at the time, marked a new era in luxury air travel.
Primarily used for transatlantic flights, the Super Star offered nonstop connections between Europe and New York, providing passengers an unparalleled flying experience. Powered by four-piston engines, it was a technological marvel that heralded the end of the classic propeller-driven aircraft era on North Atlantic routes.
The aircraft’s long-haul flights, which could last up to 17 hours, primarily took off from Hamburg, Lufthansa’s maintenance base. This made the city the perfect location for the historic roll-out of the aircraft, which took place at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters.
The project has been made possible through a collaboration with the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stiftung, which has supported the restoration and preservation of this aviation treasure.
The restoration team in Hamburg faced significant challenges in reassembling the Super Star. In October 2023, the fuselage, wings, distinctive triple tail unit, and 292 wooden crates of smaller parts were delivered to the facility.
A standout feature of the restoration is the cockpit, which has been painstakingly recreated to reflect the original design of the 1950s. The functional lighting, controls, and cable pulls that move the rudders and flaps pay homage to the era’s engineering brilliance.
Now that the Super Star has been revealed to the public, it will be disassembled into more significant segments and transported to Münster/Osnabrück Airport in July. It will be repainted in the original Lufthansa livery from the “Parabola” phase.
The restored Super Star’s cabin blends 1950s design with modern amenities. While retaining the vintage aesthetic, it features seats sourced from a retired Lufthansa A340, reupholstered in luxurious wine-red leather. The carpets and curtains have been designed to mirror historical patterns, providing an authentic retro feel without compromising comfort and technology.
Once repainted, the Lockheed Super Star will be moved to Frankfurt in October. It will be displayed alongside the iconic Junkers Ju 52 D-AQUI at the Lufthansa Group’s new conference and visitor centre, which is scheduled to open in spring 2026.
The exhibition, which will celebrate Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary, will allow visitors to view these historic aircraft up close. A glass façade will make them visible from outside the building.
Image: The restoration team in Hamburg faced significant challenges in reassembling the Super Star. Credit: Lufthansa
