Lufthansa’s Historic Ju 52 Heads to Frankfurt for 2026 Display
Lufthansa’s legendary Junkers Ju 52 aircraft, affectionately known as “Aunt Ju,” has officially departed Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport (PAD), where it has been stationed since 2020. The aircraft is set to be relocated to Lufthansa’s newly constructed Conference and Visitor Center in Frankfurt, where it will be featured as a centerpiece exhibit beginning in 2026.
The historic aircraft, registered as D-AQUI, is owned by the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin Stiftung (DLBS) and has undergone extensive restoration work over the past several years. The restoration was carried out by the Quax Association, a dedicated group of aviation enthusiasts specializing in the preservation of vintage aircraft, particularly those from World War Two and the post-war civil aviation era. Their efforts have helped ensure that this iconic symbol of aviation history is preserved for future generations.
Lufthansa plans to unveil the Ju 52 at its Frankfurt visitor center in time for the airline’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 2026. “With our Ju 52, we are preserving the history of Lufthansa and aviation,” said Wolfgang von Richthofen, Project Manager of the Lufthansa Group Conference and Visitor Center. “The historic aircraft will enrich the exhibition in our new visitor center as an essential exhibit and will be accessible to customers, employees, aviation enthusiasts, and the general public.”
The Junkers Ju 52 was originally introduced in 1930 by German aircraft manufacturer Junkers as a civilian airliner. Lufthansa added the aircraft to its fleet in 1932, and it soon became the backbone of the carrier’s operations, accounting for about 50 percent of its total fleet. Known for its durability, ease of maintenance, and reliability, the Ju 52 played a key role in shaping early commercial air travel in Germany and beyond. While originally designed as a single-engine aircraft, the more recognizable tri-motor version was soon developed and widely adopted.
During World War Two, the aircraft was also adapted for military use by Nazi Germany, serving primarily as a transport aircraft. Despite its wartime associations, the Ju 52 has since become a celebrated icon of early aviation history. Thousands of Ju 52s were produced, but today only a few remain operational, making D-AQUI one of the rare survivors of its kind. The aircraft is painted in Lufthansa’s historic 1936 livery and was repurchased by the airline in 1984 to commemorate its 60th anniversary.
As Lufthansa prepares to mark a century of operations, the return of its restored Ju 52 to Frankfurt serves as a powerful symbol of the airline’s legacy and its contributions to global aviation. Once displayed, the aircraft will offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the airline’s storied past and witness firsthand a pivotal piece of aviation history.
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