ONE OF THE LAST SUPER STAR CONSTELLATION AIRLINERS - RESTORATION PROJECT ON HOLD
One of the most graceful and beautiful airliners ever built, the Lockheed Constellation represented the ultimate in airline performance and luxury during the 1950’s. After being prematurely replaced by jetliners, mass scrapings took place in the 60's and 70's. Today, there are only a few "survivors" are left. Lufthansa purchased three Constellations in 2007 and in 2008 built a new hanger in Auburn, Maine. So began a huge restoration project, with the most suitable of the three Constellations selected to be restored back to airworthy condition, using components from all three. Years passed, Lufthansa Technik became involved, many setbacks were overcome while more and more money was invested in the project. In 2011 and again in 2013, Bob and Gillian were fortunate to be able to visit the hanger in Maine and actually see some of the progress of the restoration of the aircraft. Below are some of our pictures. In March 2018, Lufthansa executive management decided to shut down the restoration project in Maine, dismantle the aircraft and move it to Germany. Disassembly began in April 2018 and to the dismay of enthusiasts worldwide, the likelihood is the project will not be completed and the aircraft will never fly again. For more information, click here.