Thanks to Bart A. for sending this great photo of a Lufthansa Ju-52/3m that he and his wife observed while on a trip to Washington D.C.

From Bart A.:

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On Display At The Udvar-Hazy Center Aerospace Exhibit, Washington D.C.

Affectionately known in Germany as Tante Ju, or “Auntie Ju,” the Junkers Ju 52/3m was one of the most successful European airliners ever made. Designed for Deutsche Luft Hansa in 1932, the Ju 52/3m was a tri-motor version of the single-engine Ju-52. It could carry 17 passengers or 3 tons of freight and had excellent short-field performance. By the mid-1930s, airlines throughout Europe and Latin America were flying them. In World War II, they were the Luftwaffe’s primary transports, and some served as bombers. Enjoy.

Thanks again Bart!!

Lufthansa would operate 137 JU-52/3m between 1932 and 1945. This was the largest fleet of any aircraft operated by any airline prior to World War II, comprising nearly 65% of Lufthansa’s fleet at the time.

For you fans of Rimowa Luggage, look carefully at the panels of the Ju-52/3m and you will see where Rimowa found it’s inspiration for its line of luggage!

If anyone else has pictures from their travels that features a Lufthansa aircraft, please feel free to email it me with a brief description and I’d be happy to post it!