The 1952-built machine was first delivered to Eastern Airlines and subsequently flew with several smaller regional airlines. In 2001, the 4-0-4 was donated to the museum by its private owner who was located in California, necessitating a cross-continental flight to bring the plane back to the museum.
The museum had always intended to repaint the aircraft to represent the prototype, but until Lockheed Martin made the donation they lacked the funding to do so. The plane is now repainted in in its new scheme and sports an interior that has been similarly restored to its original 1950s splendor.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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