A piece of aviation history is changing its location: The legendary Junkers Ju 52, affectionately known as “Aunt Ju,” will be moving to the new Lufthansa Group Conference and Visitor Center at Frankfurt Airport in the coming weeks.
The historic aircraft, which has been under restoration in Paderborn-Lippstadt since 2020, will remain in the possession of the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin Stiftung (DLBS) and will be displayed as a central exhibit in Frankfurt starting in 2026, just in time for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa. This new location underscores the Lufthansa Group's commitment to preserving its rich heritage while creating a modern place for collaboration and encounters that brings the history and future of aviation to life.
A farewell to Paderborn: From restoration to a new home
After several years of restoration work in Paderborn-Lippstadt, the iconic Junkers Ju 52, registration D-AQUI, is now leaving its current location. Since 2020, the aircraft has been in the care of the Quax Association, an association of aviation enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation and operation of historic aircraft. The Quax Association has done outstanding work on the "Tante Ju" over the years and has played a key role in preparing the aircraft for its future exhibition.
At a farewell ceremony in Paderborn, the Lufthansa Group acknowledged the long-standing support of the Quax Association and Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport. This cooperation extended not only to the Ju 52, but also to the Lockheed Super Star, another important historic aircraft in the DLBS collection. However, the departure from Paderborn does not mean a complete break in relations: the Quax Association will also take over the care of two other DLBS aircraft, one Dornier Do 27 and an Messerschmitt Bf108, which will remain stationed in Paderborn. This ensures the association's expertise for other parts of the historic Lufthansa fleet.
Werner Knorr, Chairman of the Board of the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin Foundation (DLBS), emphasized the significance of this move: "The farewell to Paderborn is not a final farewell, but the beginning of a chapter for the Ju 52, which honors its history and significance for the new aviation." This statement reflects the understanding that the Ju 52 is not just a technical monument, but a living testimony to the pioneering era of aviation and the corporate culture of Lufthansa.
The Junkers Ju 52: A symbol of aviation history
The Junkers Ju 52 is far more than just an old aircraft; it is a true symbol of aviation and, in particular, of Lufthansa's history. Its introduction in the 1930s marked a turning point in passenger air travel and contributed significantly to the establishment of civil air travel.
The Ju 52 was introduced into the fleet of the then Lufthansa in 1932 and quickly became the backbone of the aircraft fleet. It accounted for approximately 50 percent of the entire fleet, underscoring its central role in the airline's operations. Its popularity was primarily due to its reliability and economyOriginally designed as a single-engine aircraft, it was quickly developed into a three-engine model due to safety and performance requirements. This configuration with three radial engines not only gave it its characteristic silhouette but also a high level of operational reliability. robust construction and good maintenance options made them a preferred aircraft type for passenger and cargo transport on numerous national and international routes.
The "Tante Ju" was in service in many countries and played an important role in opening up new air routes and connecting remote regions. Its ability to land even on unpaved runways contributed to its versatility. The specific Ju 52 now on display in Frankfurt, the D-AQUI, has a story of its own. It was Lufthansa's last airworthy Ju 52 and, until its final flight in 2019, completed numerous demonstration flights and special flights that fascinated generations of aviation enthusiasts. After a crash landing in 2019 and the decision not to return it to service, it was restored in Paderborn.
The Lufthansa Group Conference and Visitor Center: A place of encounter and heritage
The new home of the Ju 52 is the Lufthansa Group Conference and Visitor Center currently under construction at Frankfurt Airport. The project, which began construction in 2024 and is located in the immediate vicinity of the Lufthansa Aviation Center (LAC) is intended to be more than just an exhibition space. It is conceived as a place that will enable “new forms of collaboration for employees and, at the same time, for customers, business partners and aviation enthusiasts,” as Wolfgang von Richthofen, project manager of the center, explained.
The center aims to make Lufthansa's pioneering spirit and expertise tangible and tangible – particularly with regard to shaping the future of aviation, but also with regard to the company's rich history. The main historical attraction will be two restored Lufthansa aircraft on permanent display: the Junkers Ju 52 (D-AQUI), as well as the legendary Lockheed Super Star with registration D-ALANThe Super Star, a four-engine propeller aircraft, was Lufthansa's flagship in the 1950s and embodied the luxury and elegance of intercontinental flights of the time. The restoration of this rare aircraft is a complex project, carried out over many years by dedicated specialists, and it is currently being painted at Münster-Osnabrück Airport. Both aircraft will be visible from the outside thanks to a large transparent facade, thus highlighting the importance of the center from afar.
The visitor center will house an open gallery where numerous exhibits from Lufthansa's corporate history can be explored. Many of these pieces will be accessible to the public for the first time, offering aviation enthusiasts a unique opportunity to delve deep into the airline's past. Similar to the Group's training and conference hotel, "Lufthansa Seeheim," the Frankfurt Conference and Visitor Center will also be open to external events and offer visitors dining options at a coffee lounge. This creates a vibrant meeting place that goes far beyond a mere exhibition.
The importance of tradition for the Lufthansa Group
The decision to exhibit the Ju 52 and the Super Star in a central visitor center underscores the Lufthansa Group's deep connection to its history and tradition. In a time when the aviation industry is characterized by rapid technological developments and constant competition, preserving this historical heritage serves as an important anchor and point of identification.
For Lufthansa, the Ju 52 is more than just an old aircraft; it symbolizes the values that have shaped the company since its founding in 1926 (in the context of the 100th anniversary in 2026, this will be the founding year of the first Lufthansa): pioneering spirit, reliability, and a strong connection to Germany. The exhibition of these historic aircraft allows visitors to trace technological advances over the decades and bring the development of air travel to life. It also serves to pass on the fascination of aviation to future generations and inspire young talent to pursue careers in the industry.
Furthermore, preserving such icons contributes to strengthening Lufthansa's brand identity. In a globalized world where airlines often resemble each other through interchangeable offerings, maintaining a unique history and emphasizing traditions can represent a decisive competitive advantage. The Conference and Visitor Center will thus become not only a place of remembrance, but also a showcase for the present and future of the Lufthansa Group.
The relocation of the Junkers Ju 52 to Frankfurt and its prominent role in the new Lufthansa Group Conference and Visitor Center mark an important milestone in the preservation of German aviation history. Starting in 2026, "Aunt Ju" will be open to the public alongside the also restored Lockheed Super Star, just in time for the 100th anniversary of the first Lufthansa. This new center promises to be a vibrant place for encounters, collaboration, and learning, bringing both the rich past and ambitious future of aviation to life. The investment in this project underscores the Lufthansa Group's appreciation of its heritage and its intention to pass on the fascination of flight to future generations.
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