Flying on a Junkers Ju-52
One of the treats that awaited the guests of RIMOWA's Junkers F13 launch event was a flight in one of the most iconic aircraft ever - the old but reliable Junkers Ju-52, also nicknamed "Tante Ju" (or "Auntie Ju" in German).
Not a coincidence that Dubendorf airport, near Zurich, where RIMOWA's Junkers F13 will be based, is the home of Ju-Air, a Swiss company that operates two Ju-52 on panoramic flights - one of them also in RIMOWA livery.
A lot can be written about this legendary aircraft, another product of the genius of Otto Junkers. It was built in large numbers from the early 1930s and saw extensive service in WW2. Solid, reliable and easily recognizable thanks to its characteristic tri-engined design and fuselage made of corrugated duralumium. It remained in service with many airlines and air forces throughout the World after the war.
You can read about the type and other historical aircraft that are still flying in this piece I wrote for CNN.
In case you were wondering, here's how the cabin looks like and, yes, just like on any other airliner, there is a flight attendant too
As it it was not and amazing enough experience to take off on a 80-year old aircraft, the landscape around Lake Zurich also adds considerably to the moment!
Our group flew not in one, but in two Ju-52s! This gave us great photo-opportunities as the two aircraft flew in formation, and at times chased each other!, over the Swiss countryside.
It was a bit cloudy, but, nevertheless we had perfect air-to-air visibility!
By the way, Junkers has also its own range of watches, decorated (on the reverse) with the siluette of the Ju-52. I got mine as a gift, coincidentally, just a few months before I knew I was going to experience the Ju-52 for real!