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Lufthansa’s First Jet Could be Scrapped

A nearly 61-year-old Boeing 707 could be scrapped within months if a group of German aviation enthusiasts is unable to save the former Lufthansa aircraft.   

The Boeing 707, located at the Hamburg Airport, is a historic aircraft, both for aviation and Lufthansa. For the German flag carrier, the aircraft brought about the start of the jet age.  However, despite the aircraft’s historic status, this aircraft and another just like it are destined for the scrap heap.  While one has fallen into a state of disrepair, there are hopes that the other can be saved.  There has been an outpouring of disappointment from aviation fans worldwide that the Hamburg Airport was giving up on such a historic aircraft.

The group of enthusiasts has written an open letter to the CEO of Hamburg Airport, calling for a meeting to discuss its fate.  Officials at Hamburg Airport said the decision has been made given maintenance costs tied with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aircraft was delivered new to Lufthansa in April 1960.  Under the name Frankfurt, it flew for the German flag carrier for 15 years.  The aircraft was sold to Hamburg Airport for €1 ($1.20).