News Summary
Kansas City is abuzz as John Travolta acquires the historical 1959 Lockheed Super-G Constellation, known as ‘Connie’. This iconic aircraft holds great sentimental value, having previously hosted significant events in Travolta’s life. Despite its ongoing lease dispute and maintenance needs, Connie’s future remains bright with her new ownership. Will this mark her return to the skies?
Kansas City Buzzes Over John Travolta’s New Acquisition!
Kansas City has recently found itself at the center of quite an intriguing story as Academy Award-winning actor John Travolta has taken a significant interest in a historical piece of aviation – the 1959 Lockheed Super-G Constellation aircraft, affectionately known as ‘Connie.’ This fabulous flying machine has been parked at the Airline History Museum at the Charles Wheeler Downtown Airport since 1986, and now has even more tales to tell as it rumbles into the spotlight of aviation enthusiasts.
Meet Connie: A Glamorous Star of Aviation
Connie stands out with her unique triple-tail and dolphin nose design, captivating visitors and aviation lovers alike for decades. Over the years, she has been more than just a mere display; she has hosted some notable moments in Travolta’s life. Most notably, in February 2004, he flew the Connie all the way to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for his 50th birthday party – now that’s how you celebrate a milestone! And who could forget the unforgettable night in October 2007 when Travolta made a star-studded appearance at a museum fundraiser? His offer to dance with him went for an impressive $20,000!
A New Chapter for Connie
Fast forward to September 4 of this year, and FAA records indicate that Connie is officially registered to Travolta’s company, Constellation Productions Inc., based in sunny Tampa, Florida. Whether this means Travolta purchased the plane outright or just made arrangements to ensure her safety during an ongoing lease dispute involving the museum remains a mystery. Unfortunately, attempts to gather more details from company officials have gone unanswered.
The Museum’s Bumpy Ride
The plot thickens as John Roper, the president of the Airline History Museum, has kept mum about the plane’s transfer, given the ongoing turbulence in negotiations with the leaseholder, Signature Flight Support. Since 2019, the museum has been in a bit of a jam, locked out of its own hangar for almost three years. Signature Flight Support alleges that the museum has fallen behind on rent payments and argues that their lease is invalid.
History of Hardships
This isn’t the first time the museum has found itself in hot water. A former executive faced legal issues back in 2010, admitting to swindling over $51,000 from the nonprofit. On a broader scale, Travolta’s company has had its own dose of drama; two pilots were arrested recently for allegedly embezzling nearly $800,000 from the organization between 2021 and 2023.
Taking to the Skies Soon?
As for Connie, she hasn’t taken to the skies since 2005, mainly due to an engine failure during an airshow. However, she’s currently undergoing maintenance at the TWA Museum in Kansas City, where engine tests have started. Hopefully, this means Connie will soon dazzle the skies again, possibly under the helm of her new owner!
From Sanctuary to Starlight
Originally sold for a mere $4,000 at auction in 1985, Connie has since transformed into a treasured piece of history, thanks to efforts from the Kansas City-based Save-A-Connie organization that restored her starting in 1986. Who knows what adventures lie ahead for this beloved aircraft? With Travolta’s fascination, the Connie might just find herself soaring with fame once more.
Kansas City is abuzz with anticipation about what this significant transfer of ownership means for the future of the Connie and perhaps even the Airline History Museum. Will she remain a star in Kansas City, or will she take a spotlight elsewhere? One thing is certain – aviation history is about to get a little brighter!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Star: John Travolta’s New Acquisition
- AVweb: Engines Run in Travolta’s New Constellation
- Kansas City Star: Museum’s Bumpy Ride
- Google Search: John Travolta Aircraft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation History
