Weles Aerospace Support is preparing a long-grounded Lockheed L-1011 TriStar for a possible return to flight, with a plan to ferry the former TZ-MHI to another African airport before the end of 2026 for further work. The 45-year-old widebody has been parked at Nairobi airport since 2010 and is currently being moved only by tug as restoration activity gathers pace.
The aircraft will need a C-check before any flight attempt, so the immediate focus remains technical preparation rather than service entry. Recent activity around the jet in February and again in August included visible cockpit lights and tow movements, indicating active work rather than static storage.
Weles Aerospace Support, led by Melnicki, is handling parts sourcing and staffing for the project, which is linked to European owners. The intended end use is cargo operation in Africa, although the destination airport and country have not been disclosed. Only one TriStar is currently airworthy worldwide, leaving any revival of the type unusual and dependent on maintenance, parts availability and regulatory clearances.