MATS Constellation
1998 marked the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, and to celebrate this event some vintage airliners which had participated in the lift visited Europe again during the summer. The most beautiful and rarest of those was of course the Lockheed L-749A Constellation of the Constellation Group, which was operated in full "Military Air Transport Service" (MATS) colors. It was the first Connie to be seen in Europe after more than 20 years and generated a lot of enthusiasm amongst the prop lovers here. A big "thank you" from all of us goes to the crew members and supporters of the Constellation Group who made this memorable visit possible!
Unfortunately the aircraft has been sold in the meantime and is now on static display in South Korea. Really a shame that it's no longer flying!
The following photos were all taken during the Swiss part of the Connie tour, mainly at the "Bodensee Air Show" in Altenrhein and at Basel.
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Ramp scene at Althenrhein: the Connie with the South African Airways DC-4
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The MATS Connie over the Swiss Alps
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Coming in for landing at Altenrhein
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After an early morning arrival at Basel
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Engine startup at Basel
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Take-off from Basel
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The flight deck during the sightseeing flight
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Basel airport seen through the props of the Connie
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Take-off from Basel for the late evening flight
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On maintenance with Crossair
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Take-off from Zurich
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Copyright © 1997-2012 Ralph Kunadt.
The photos may be downloaded for private use only.
For any other purpose please check the "
Commercial Photo Use" page.
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