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Lufthansa’s historic Junkers Ju 52 moves to new home at Frankfurt Airport

Lufthansa’s historic Junkers Ju 52 moves to new home at Frankfurt Airport
Airports
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Carsten Spohr Chief Executive Officer | Lufthansa Group

The historic Junkers Ju 52 aircraft has arrived at the Lufthansa Group’s Conference and Visitor Center at Frankfurt Airport, where it will be on permanent display starting in spring 2026. The aircraft, registered as D-AQUI, will be exhibited alongside the Lockheed Super Star, which was brought to the center in August. A glass façade will allow visitors and aviation enthusiasts to view both planes from outside.

The Ju 52, affectionately known as “Aunt Ju,” was retired from commercial operations at the end of 2018 after more than 80 years of service. The aircraft underwent significant restoration between 1984 and 1986 and has since carried over 250,000 passengers on sightseeing flights for Lufthansa.

“The ‘Iron Annie’ is more than just an airplane – it is a symbol of pioneering spirit, engineering excellence, and the fascination of flight. With its distinctive corrugated metal skin, three characteristic engines, and unmatched dependability, the Ju 52 has captivated generations of pilots, passengers, and aviation enthusiasts. Developed in the 1930s, the Ju 52 set new standards in passenger and cargo transport. Its versatility made it indispensable in both civil and military aviation. Its robust design and ability to land on unpaved runways made it a byword for reliability and innovation. Today, the Ju 52 is considered a cult aircraft that continues to thrill aviation fans worldwide.”

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The first Ju 52 joined Lufthansa’s fleet in 1932 and quickly became a central part of its operations, making up about half of the airline’s aircraft at the time. The aircraft’s efficiency and reliability contributed significantly to Lufthansa’s early growth.

Work on assembling the Lockheed Super Star is also progressing quickly. With the installation of its wings completed ahead of schedule, Lufthansa expects the completion of the Super Star to be a major event. According to the company, this project highlights Lufthansa’s connection between tradition and technical achievement.

The new Conference and Visitor Center is being constructed next to the Lufthansa Aviation Center. It is designed as a space for employees, customers, business partners, and aviation fans to collaborate and engage with Lufthansa’s history. The opening of the center next spring will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa. The facility will include an open gallery displaying many historical exhibits from Lufthansa’s past, some of which will be shown publicly for the first time. The conference center will also be available for external events, similar to Lufthansa Seeheim, the company’s training and conference hotel.

Organizations Included in this History
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