1938 Zeppelin LZ 130 to US Airship Flight Plans - One Year After Hindenburg Loss

Description

Trifold six-panel brochure released in January 1938 announcing forthcoming flights to the United States between Frankfurt am Main and Lakehurst, NJ by the new LZ 130 for the coming Summer. The significance of this announcement was the introduction of the latest Zeppelin resuming transatlantic service just one year after the loss of the Hindenburg on May 6, 1937. Originally intended to enter service in Fall 1937, the LZ 130 was extensively rebuilt after the loss of the HIndenburg to operate on helium instead of hydrogen, thereby guaranteeing the safety of Zeppelin transatlantic operations by eliminating the possibility of fire. The promised availability of US helium foundered on political intrigues and loop holes resulting in delays in completion of the LZ 130 as a helium ship for North American flights or as a hydrogen ship for continued South American service. LZ 130 didn't fly until Fall of 1938 and was used only for government chartered flights within Germany and for ELINT missions in the North Sea. This optimistic brochure shows the Zeppelin arriving over New York and interior diagrams of the passenger cabins and public rooms. Bookings could be scheduled at the time the brochure was released and a specific flight schedule would follow as dates were determined. Mint condition.
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