Rare JU52 Vintage Aircraft to Visit Front Range Airport as Part of North American Tour
/
Front Range Airport, part of the Avfuel-branded FBO network, 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.
Tour sponsor RIMOWA, based in Germany, is a leading manufacturer of luggage in Europe with a growing global presence. The company originally built its reputation on lightweight, watertight luggage made from structural aluminum and in 2000 with the invention of polycarbonate luggage.
The 3-engine, 9-cylinder JU52 was designed by the legendary Hugo Junkers and first appeared in May 1932. During 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. The JU-52 maneuvered even challenging sections of the Alps with ease and was known for its durability. In addition to transporting recreational travelers, the JU52 was employed as a military hospital and transport aircraft for aide work.
The aircraft will arrive at Front Range Airport from LAX on Thursday, July 12 and will be on display for the general public from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 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. The state took the first step toward becoming a spaceport state with submittal of a letter of intent to the Federal Aviation Administration’s office of Commercial Space Transportation last December.
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.”
ABOUT AVFUEL CORPORATION
Avfuel provides fuel and services to the global aviation industry and is the leading independent supplier in the United States. Established as a supply and logistic company nearly 40 years ago, Avfuel is core competent in every aspect that surround the delivery of fuel – from refinery to wingtip. Our diverse market of customers include: fixed base operators, airlines, freight companies, corporate flight departments, military special operations and helicopter operators. Avfuel combines global access with personalized service throughout a fueling network over 2000 locations worldwide and 600+ Avfuel branded dealers and offers business solutions such as AVTRIP, an established, recognized pilot incentive program; the jet fuel savings program Avfuel Contract Fuel and Avplan, a flight-support and trip planning company for domestic and international customers. Our 100% dedication to aviation demonstrates our passion and commitment to a global community that prospers on the movement of goods and services around the world.
Contacts
Front Range Airport
Dennis Heap, Executive Director
303-261-9103
dheap@ftgairport.com
www.ftg-airport.com
Avfuel Corporation
Marci Ammerman, Vice President Marketing
734-663-6466
mammerman@avfuel.com
www.avfuel.com
www.facebook.com/avfuel
Twitter: @Avfuel