Rimowa Junkers 52 North-American Tour Hits Toronto

Rimowa Junkers 52 North-American Tour Hits Toronto:
On Wednesday August 8th, a very special aircraft flew into the Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto, a 1939 JU 52. This model is one of very few left in the world, and part of an even smaller group that actually still flies.

A member of the crew prior to boarding

RIMOWA CEO, Dieter Morszeck, along with a crew, flew the plane on a 92 hour journey from Cologne, Germany, the birthplace of RIMOWA, all the way to North America, where they flew around both the USA and Canada. They made multiple pit-stops hosting extremely posh and gorgeous parties, including L.A., New York and here in Toronto.
After seeing photo’s of the New York and L.A. event, I thought I knew what to expect, but what I experienced far surpassed any and all of my expectations.
After getting off the ferry at Billy Bishop airport I was greeted and led to Hangar 1. As I entered the hangar I walked past planes and aircraft seats and was astounded with the scene in front of me. There were two long tables draped in white linens, with large candelabra’s and Louis Ghost Chairs. The door to the hanger was open and backed right onto the airstrip where the JU52 landed and boarded passengers.

Aircraft Seats and plane in the Hangar

Dinner Set-up in the Hangar

RIMOWA’s JU52

Under the Wing “The Luggage with the Grooves”

I was set to fly on the very last flight, which was perfect timing! The sun was setting and created a beautiful orange glow, perfect for photo opt’s and close-ups of the CN Tower.

Pre-Boarding

The ride on the plane itself was nearly indescribable. The aircraft seats 17 people and we all piled in and took our seats in vintage mint green chairs, equipped with fold out dining tables and an ashtray.

Inside the Aircraft

The aluminum grooved aircraft (the same material and pattern as the iconic RIMOWA luggage) started its engines and it was loud! With butterflies in our stomaches we finally took off and went for a 45 minute ride around Toronto, circling the CN Tower and then down the shoreline as far as Mississauga.

Take off!

Flying over the water- Toronto Skyline

Circling the CN Tower

Inside the Cockpit

Out the Cockpit Window

When we finally landed back at the Billy Bishop airport we found ourselves in perfect timing, sitting in our chairs right as the first course of the meal arrived (and it was delicious, of course).

Menu

Dining Area

Carsten Kulcke, Executive VP of RIMOWA North America, started the dinner off with a touching speech and toast to Mr. Morszeck (who was unable to attend the last leg of the trip.)

RIMOWA Executive VP, Carsten Kulcke

The wine was flowing, as well as conversation and interesting people, like Sarah Gadon, Toronto’s breakout starlet, director David Cronenberg, socialite Ainsley Kerr and Canadian media and fashion people, Suzanne Boyd, Shinan Govani, Natalie Lecomte and Diane Chan. The chatter went well on into the night, wrapping up with individual desserts and choices of cake pops along the tables.
After leaving, I was still left with a buzz of excitement, my only disappointment was that the evening ended.

A colleague and I enjoying our evening