Lockheed Constellation: The 'Queen of the Skies' That Changed Air Travel
Our latest AERO HISTORY episode explores the fascinating story of the four-engine propeller aircraft, the Lockheed Constellation, also known as the 'Queen of the Skies'. This iconic aircraft, with its elegant dolphin-like fuselage and distinctive triple-tailed design, was developed in 1939 at the request of Howard Hughes for his airline TWA. It went on to become a staple in the fleets of many airlines worldwide, including UNITED AIRLINES, SOUTHWEST AIRLINES, DELTA AIRLINES, and AMERICAN AIRLINES.
The Constellation, or 'Connie' as it was affectionately known, was a game-changer for intercontinental travel. LUFTHANSA, for instance, used it to build its global route network from 1955 to 1960. The airline operated the L-1649A Super Star variant, which was the first and only LUFTHANSA long-haul aircraft to feature an all-first-class 'Senator Service' cabin.
Other airlines that operated various Constellation variants included AIR ALGÉRIE, AIR FRANCE, BOAC, Dan-Air London, GLOBE AIR, AIR KRUISE, and AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AIRWAYS. By 1958, a total of 856 Constellation variants had been built, a testament to its popularity and success.
The Lockheed Constellation's legacy is undeniable. It was a symbol of post-war air travel, with LUFTHANSA's eight L-1049G Super Constellations and four L-1649A Super Stars being among the first long-range AIRBNB for the airline. Today, it stands as a reminder of an era when elegance and innovation ruled the skies.
