Lufthansa to Rebuild and Fly 1649A Super Constellation

Posted on June 16, 2008
Filed Under Aerospace Industry, Aviation Interest |

In a front-page story, the Wall Street Journal (6/16, A1, Michaels, subscription required) reports that Lufthansa “has a unique sideline [business] rebuilding and flying antique aircraft,” which includes $400-per-ticket flights on a 1936 Junkers-52 and, in 2010, flights on a Lockheed 1649A Super Constellation “Starliner.”

The company purchased three of the aircraft last year, which will be used to create one functional aircraft. The Journal article details the history of Lufthansa’s Starliner use from the 1950’s through the 1970’s, including the amenities offered and common mechanical issues encountered while flying the aircraft.

In the rebuilt model, “Lufthansa will install modern flight controls,” as well as modern digital safety systems and seat belts. The Journal notes, “Once, many carriers maintained their antiques to show off, but years of financial pressure have put an end to most of that.” In the case of Lufthansa, the company “can afford its costly projects partly because active and retired employees volunteer to reconstruct, maintain and fly the old planes.”

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