As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, Lufthansa has restored the legendary Lockheed L-1649A “Super Star” to airworthy condition.
Produced in the late 1950s, the aircraft was known as the improved and longest-range version of the L-1049 Super Constellation. Powered by four Wright R-3350 Turbo-Compound piston engines, the L-1649A was one of the first piston-powered passenger aircraft capable of crossing the Atlantic without refueling, thanks to its remarkable range of around 10,000 km — an exceptional achievement for its time.
Depending on the passenger configuration, it could carry between 62 and 102 passengers, offering spacious seating arrangements for luxurious long-haul flights.
In January, the aircraft’s comprehensive restoration was completed at Lufthansa Technik’s Hamburg facilities. It was then repainted in its original 1950s livery at Münster–Osnabrück Airport in Germany. Using 500 liters of special paint supplied by Mankiewicz, Altitude Paint Services faithfully recreated the silver fuselage, blue cheatline, and yellow stripe details.
Only 45 L-1649A aircraft were ever built, and just four have survived to this day. Lufthansa’s aircraft, registered D-ALAN, will be displayed in spring 2026 at the airline’s new conference and visitor center in Frankfurt, alongside the iconic Ju 52 D-AQUI — bringing together two legends of aviation history under one roof.
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