Which Pan Am Constellation ended up testing engines in…

Which Pan Am Constellation ended up testing engines in France?

Short answer

The Lockheed Constellation named "Clipper America," which flew the first commercial round-the-world flight. It first served with Pan American Airways and then Air France until 1960; it later became an engine test bed for the Compagnie Générale des Turbo-Machines until December 1974.

Published: October 31, 2026 · Updated: October 31, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Which Pan Am Constellation ended up testing engines in France?

Lockheed Constellation Santa CruzMateo fzo (CC BY SA), vía commons

From "Clipper America" to Air France

Pan American Airways named this Lockheed Constellation "Clipper America." It was used to fly the first commercial round-the-world flight. The aircraft initially served with Pan American Airways and was later transferred to Air France, with which it flew until 1960. Before that transfer, and after barely four months in service with the Mexican airline that had operated it, Lockheed took the aircraft back to resell it to Air France.

Last commercial flight and transfer to the French State

Its last commercial flight was the Casablanca-Orly route on 19 October 1960, and Air France withdrew it from service on 20 October 1960. On 2 January 1962 the aircraft was transferred to the French State, registered F-ZVMV, to serve as an engine test bed for the CEV. After its time with Air France it was used as an engine test bed for the Compagnie Générale des Turbo-Machines until December 1974.

Test hours and final destination

Its last test flight took place on 19 December 1974, with a cumulative total of 1,363 hours 40 minutes of test flying. On 16 July 1975 the aircraft was moved to the Musée de l'Air at Le Bourget.