The first all-metal passenger plane known as the Junkers F13 has returned. Flying from June 1919 to the late 1930s, the German aircraft was incredibly popular and held around 40 percent of the international traffic route network.
Luxury luggage brand Rimowa have now rejuvenated some of the old planes. CEO Dieter Morszeck’s passion for aviation inspired the brand’s unusual move to aeronautics. In fact, Rimowa was so inspired by the planes that it even used some of the same materials for its luggage line.
The recently revived Junkers are priced at $2.2 million, and while they honor the original design, they sport upgraded features to meet modern safety standards. Most changes affected the radial engine, tail unit, and braked landing gear.
Although the updated F13’s aren’t ready yet, the first flight is planned for March 2016 with the hopes of delivering planes by May. Customers can preorder their own rejuvenated Junkers F13 now.