The historic Junkers Ju 52 arrives in Frankfurt

The historic Lufthansa Junkers Ju 52 has arrived at its new “home base” and moved into the Lufthansa Group’s Conference and Visitor Center at Frankfurt Airport. There, the legendary aircraft will be on permanent display from spring 2026 alongside the Lockheed Super Star, which arrived in August. Thanks to a glass façade, aviation enthusiasts will also be able to admire the two icons from outside. 

After more than 80 years in service, the aircraft registered as D-AQUI was retired from commercial operations at the end of 2018. Following a long and eventful history, it had been extensively restored between 1984 and 1986. Since then, the lovingly nicknamed “Aunt Ju” has carried more than 250,000 passengers on sightseeing flights for Lufthansa. 

About the Junkers Ju 52 

The first Junkers Ju 52 joined the Lufthansa fleet in 1932 and quickly became the backbone of the airline’s aircraft fleet. Valued for its efficiency and reliability, the Ju 52 accounted for about 50 percent of Lufthansa’s aircraft at that time. 

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. 

Assembly of the Lockheed Super Star progressing rapidly 

With the installation of the wings, the presentation of the Lockheed Super Star reaches another milestone. Work is progressing quickly, allowing wing assembly to begin earlier than originally planned. The completion of the Super Star remains a highly anticipated event, symbolizing Lufthansa’s unique connection between tradition and technical excellence. 

The Lufthansa Group Conference and Visitor Center 

Located next to the Lufthansa Aviation Center (LAC), the Lufthansa Group is building a new Conference and Visitor Center that will serve as a venue for new forms of collaboration among employees, as well as for customers, business partners, and aviation enthusiasts. 

The opening of the center next spring coincides with the 100th anniversary of the founding year of the first Lufthansa and highlights the importance of aviation heritage for the Lufthansa Group. 

An open gallery will feature numerous exhibits from Lufthansa’s corporate history, many of which will be on public display for the first time. Like the Group’s training and conference hotel “Lufthansa Seeheim,” the Frankfurt Conference and Visitor Center will also be available for external events.