Front Range Airport (FTG) near Denver will be one of only five United States stops on the RIMOWA JU52 2012 North American Tour. The rare 1930s vintage aircraft will continue on to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., where it will be displayed on the showcase ramp during the show.
RIMOWA JU52 (Photo by Frank Theisejans)
The 3-engine, 9-cylinder JU52 was designed by the legendary Hugo Junkers and first appeared in May 1932. Over the next six years, the tri-motor aircraft’s reputation for comfort and reliability allowed it to capture nearly 75% of all German air passenger transport. In addition to transporting recreational travelers, the JU52 was employed as a military hospital and transport aircraft for aide work.
Tour sponsor RIMOWA, based in Germany, is a manufacturer of luggage in Europe with a growing global presence.
The aircraft will arrive at Front Range Airport from LAX on Thursday, July 12, and will be on display for the general public from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday, July 13. The JU52 will serve as the main attraction at a private RIMOWA corporate function on July 14 and 15 before departing for Oshkosh. The private event will consist of familiarization flights for invited guests and a high-end gathering in the FBO/executive hangar Saturday evening catered by the Aviator Bar & Grill.
Hosting the historic aircraft and upscale event is a coup for Front Range Airport, which has recently made headlines as a potential site for a dedicated commercial spaceport, an effort supported by the state of Colorado, airport officials said.
As Front Range Airport speeds toward possible spaceport development and future air travel options, the staff more than ever realizes the significance of past aviation achievements and the engineering and development of aircraft such as the JU52.
“Front Range Airport is honored to host RIMOWA and this extraordinary aircraft,” said Dennis Heap, the airport’s executive director. “The JU52 is an important piece of aviation history, and the fact that she’s still flying is remarkable and speaks to the power of her construction and engineering. Being chosen as a stop on RIMOWA’s United States tour is a mark of distinction, and we could not be more proud.”
For more information: FTG-Airport.com
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Where is Front Range Airport for those who should know that sort of thing anyway?
Front Range Airport is east of Denver in Aurora, Colorado.
Sennheiser Aviation is proud to be supporting Rimowa in this historic flight with a complete complement of S1 Digital headsets on board. See you in Oshkosh!