Lufthansa Technik Restores Iconic Lockheed L-1649A Super Star: A Historic Milestone in Aviation

Lufthansa Technik has reached a significant milestone in aviation history with the completion of the restoration and assembly of the Lockheed L-1649A, also known as the Super Star.

Originally the flagship of the Lufthansa fleet in the late 1950s, the Super Star made its return to the spotlight when it was rolled out of its hangar in Hamburg on January 17, 2025, for the first time on its own landing gear, marking an emotional moment for aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

The Return of the Lockheed Super Star

In 1957, Lufthansa introduced the Lockheed Super Star, offering its exclusive Senator class for the first time and providing non-stop transatlantic flights between Hamburg and New York.

The aircraft, powered by four piston engines, signified the end of an era for classic propeller-driven aircraft on North Atlantic routes.

The maintenance base for these iconic flights was located in Hamburg, adding historical significance to the aircraft’s roll-out location. The restoration project is supported by the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stiftung.

Restoration Process: A True Tribute to the 1950s Era

The restoration team in Hamburg faced the challenge of assembling several large components, including the fuselage, wings, and the iconic triple-tail unit, which arrived in 292 crates in October 2023.

A highlight of the project is the authentic restoration of the cockpit, which features functional lighting, controls, and cable pulls for the rudders and flaps, paying tribute to the engineering ingenuity of the 1950s.

Upcoming Journey: Repainting and Vintage Cabin Design

Following the January roll-out, the aircraft will be carefully dismantled and transported to Münster/Osnabrück Airport in July 2025 for repainting in its original Lufthansa design from the Parabola phase.

The interior cabin, inspired by the 1950s, features modern technology, including reupholstered A340 seats in wine-red leather, historical carpet patterns, and curtains.

A New Home in Frankfurt for the Lockheed Super Star

Once restored and repainted, the Lockheed Super Star will be displayed at Lufthansa’s new conference and visitor center in Frankfurt, scheduled to open in 2026, in celebration of Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary.

It will be showcased alongside the legendary Junkers Ju 52 aircraft, with a glass façade allowing visitors to view the historic aircraft from the outside.