Liebherr cranes lift retired Airbus plane into Serengeti safari park for new attraction

Two Liebherr mobile cranes from Schlamann Autokrane GmbH in Nienburg/Weser unloaded a decommissioned Airbus A310 into the Serengeti Park and placed it on prepared bearings. The aircraft will serve as a restaurant and attraction at the safari park.

Experienced crane professionals relied on a tandem lift for the challenge. The Airbus, weighing in at 49 tonnes was assisted by the LTM 1300-6.3, which took on the main load of 32.5 tonnes with a radium of up to 22 metres. It was equipped with 77 tonnes of ballast for the lift. The LTM 1250-5.1 carried the remaining 16.5 tonnes and only required 42 tonnes of ballast. 

"This is a very exciting order," reports Torsten Schlamann, managing director of Schlamann Autokrane GmbH. "The aircraft was transported here from Langenhagen Airport. We loaded it there and unloaded it here. The LTM 1300-6.3 has been in operation since March and is our most powerful mobile crane. It is characterised by its very long telescopic boom of 90 metres. We have already completed many jobs — the drivers are happy with the new crane and I am satisfied. It was a good decision to buy this crane."

An Airbus as a restaurant

The Serengeti Park is known for its combination of safari experience and theme park. The Airbus A310 will add another attraction. Dirk Jasper, head of business unit project at Serengeti Park, explains: "Five years ago, we had the crazy idea of converting an aeroplane into a restaurant. Four years ago, we bought an airplane at auction. There were obstacles such as official requirements and driving permits, but now we are happy that the aircraft is here. The opening ceremony of the restaurant is planned for September 2026."

Schlamann Autokrane GmbH operates 21 mobile cranes — almost all of them from Liebherr. In addition to mobile cranes, the company, which employs around 90 people at four sites, also rents out work platforms and forklifts. The fleet comprises around 250 devices and machines.