Lufthansa completes restoration of historic Ju 52 and Lockheed Super Star ahead of 2026 anniversary

Lufthansa has completed the reassembly and final acceptance of two historic aircraft—the Junkers Ju 52 and the Lockheed L-1649A Super Star—at its new “Lufthansa Group Hangar One” near Frankfurt Airport. The aircraft will serve as the central exhibits in Lufthansa’s new conference and visitor centre, which is preparing to open in line with the Group’s 2026 anniversary celebrations.

Both aircraft were delivered in sections by heavy transport and meticulously reassembled in recent months. Visible through a glass façade, they will be accessible to visitors both inside the centre and from outside, highlighting Lufthansa’s aviation heritage during the 100th anniversary of the founding of Deutsche Luft Hansa.

The Ju 52, first introduced into Lufthansa service in 1932, became the backbone of the airline’s early fleet and remains an enduring symbol of reliability and engineering innovation. The Lockheed Super Star joined the fleet in 1957. It marked the pinnacle of long-haul piston-engine aviation, notably operating nonstop transatlantic services to New York and introducing Lufthansa’s premium “Senator” class.

“Lufthansa Group Hangar One,” currently nearing completion, is designed as both a collaboration space for employees and a visitor destination for customers, partners, and aviation enthusiasts. In addition to the two restored aircraft, the centre will feature an open gallery showcasing historic Lufthansa exhibits—some displayed publicly for the first time—and will be available for external events, with catering facilities included.