We often receive questions about the fate of Lockheed L-1649A Starliner N7361C—the aircraft Lufthansa invested heavily in restoring for airworthy use, only to cancel the project at the final stage. Nearly six years ago, Lufthansa announced the end of its ambitious Super Star project. Shortly after, the largely restored aircraft was shipped from the USA to Germany and stored in a hangar in Bremen.
The Lufthansa Super Star gGmbH (LSSG) was established in 2015 to restore the “Super Star” to flying condition. Lufthansa Technik was entrusted with the task of overhauling the L-1649As. LSSG, an affiliated company of Lufthansa Commercial Holding (a subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG), oversaw the restoration efforts in Auburn, Maine. Former N7316C (c/n 1018), originally delivered to TWA in 1957 and last flown on November 9, 1983, has undergone a lengthy restoration journey. Lufthansa began restoring the aircraft in 2008 at their facility in Auburn, Maine, USA, with the ambitious goal of returning it to airworthy condition. However, after a decade of work and an investment of 150 million euros, the project was discontinued in 2018. In 2019, the aircraft was shipped to Bremen, Germany, where it was stored before being transferred to Paderborn in February 2021. Most recently, in October 2023, it was relocated to Lufthansa Technik’s base in Hamburg for further assembly and preservation efforts. You can read more about this saga in our previous articles; CLICK HERE.
Today, Lufthansa Technik has completed the extensive assembly of the Lockheed L-1649A and rolled it out to a large hangar in Hamburg. This milestone represents a significant chapter in the aircraft’s storied history.
A Storied History
In 1957, the Lockheed Super Star joined Lufthansa’s fleet, introducing Senator Class as the pinnacle of luxury air travel. The aircraft was primarily used on transatlantic routes to New York, offering nonstop flights that lasted up to 17 hours. Powered by four piston engines, it marked the end of the classic propeller-driven era on North Atlantic routes. Hamburg served as both the departure point for these flights and the maintenance base, making it a fitting location for the recent roll-out. The Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin Foundation has partnered with Lufthansa Technik to support this project.
The Restoration Process
The assembly process in Hamburg posed significant challenges for Lufthansa Technik’s team. Large components such as the fuselage, wings, and the distinctive triple tail unit, along with 292 crates of smaller parts, arrived in October 2023. A special highlight of this static restoration is the meticulously recreated 1950s cockpit. The lighting and controls are functional, and cables connect to movable rudders and flaps, providing a true-to-original experience. The cabin reflects 1950s style but incorporates modern technology. The seats, repurposed from a retired Lufthansa A340, have been extensively redesigned and upholstered in wine-red leather. Historical patterns inspired the carpet and curtains, ensuring an authentic period look.
Next Steps
In the coming weeks, the aircraft will be dismantled into large segments and transported to Münster/Osnabrück Airport for painting. Scheduled for July, the aircraft will be repainted in Lufthansa’s original parabolic-phase livery. After painting, the Lockheed Super Star is slated to arrive in Frankfurt in October 2025. It will be unveiled just in time for Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary in spring 2026. The aircraft will become the centerpiece of Lufthansa Group’s new conference and visitor center, sharing the spotlight with the legendary Junkers Ju 52 D-AQUI. Thanks to a glass façade, both exhibits will be prominently displayed for public view.
The restoration and assembly of the Lockheed L-1649A mark a return to its rightful place in aviation history. Although it will not take to the skies again, its presence will serve as a testament to the golden age of transatlantic travel and Lufthansa’s pioneering spirit.
Having worked on her restoration in Maine I was deeply saddened as were all the others to learn she wold never fly again. We were less than 9 months away from her flying and she was actually better than new. The plan to fly her to Germany to outfit her classic Lufthansa Senator Service interior would have been glorious. The decision to turn her into the most expensive static display when more than 3/4 of the way finished after countless donations and millions spent was in my opinion the most asinine and spineless call ever made by the bean counters at Lufthansa. This act was a complete travesty and a slap in the face to the brilliant Lufthansa Technik personal and all those who’s meticulous attention to every detail through the remanufacturing process deprived the world of experiencing a moment when air travel was at its most elegant and glorious.
what a glorious bird locheed made