Paderborn/Hodenhagen, October 30, 2025 – On the nights from October 26 to 27 and from October 28 to 29, 2025, Gruber Logistics transported an Airbus A310 to its future exhibition site. From Hanover Airport to the Serengeti Park wildlife and leisure park in Hodenhagen, the heavy-load experts of the renowned logistics service provider moved the historic aircraft—which once belonged to the Special Air Mission Wing of the German Federal Ministry of Defense—with the necessary care and precision during three night shifts. Since the approximately 50-kilometer route passed through a nature reserve, all involved parties had meticulously secured trees in advance to prevent damage to branches. Starting in summer 2026, the historic aircraft will serve as a restaurant for guests of the well-known park in the Heide district.
During the transport of the fuselage and other components of the decommissioned aircraft, Gruber Logistics moved 110 tons. The wings of the A310 have already been at Serengeti Park since autumn 2023. The final route selected for the transport volume—measuring a total of 64.4 meters in length, 6.1 meters in width, and 5.9 meters in height—was the result of years of planning and could often only be completed at walking speed over three consecutive nights. It required extensive preparatory measures after obtaining the necessary permits.
In cooperation with the team from StB Verkehrstechnik, which handled tasks such as dismantling traffic signs, lights, and signals, as well as with the arborists from Arboristica, who were responsible for protecting trees not only in the traversed nature reserve, the logistics provider and its highly qualified drivers completed the 51.4-kilometer journey without incident. From a fleet perspective, Gruber Logistics accomplished the transport using a custom-built so-called modular axle trailing combination, employing two 8×4 tractors designed by Universal Transport—the heavy-load specialist integrated into the company three years ago.
“To realize this almost impossible undertaking, our engineering team led by project manager Martin Ludvik applied its extensive expertise and persistence to the task and, thanks to this great commitment, ultimately found a way to bring the Airbus fuselage to Serengeti Park. Together with the drivers, the preparatory measures along the route, and in close coordination with our client Serengeti Park, we have now successfully completed this challenging project,” emphasizes Michael Gruber, Managing Director of Gruber Logistics Germany.
Fabrizio Sepe, Managing Director of Serengeti Park, reflects after exciting years of planning: “We are delighted that the Airbus A310 has now reached its final position in the park. We will now convert it into an attractive restaurant for our guests, making it another highlight of our facility. Gruber Logistics has accomplished a logistical masterpiece here.”
