Long distance flights by Marga von Etzdorf, updated 12.05.2025
Junkers A50
Marga von Etzdorf (1907–1933) was a pioneering German aviator and one of the first women to work as a commercial pilot. Born in Hannover, she developed an early passion for flying and became the first woman to fly for Deutsche Luft Hansa (now Lufthansa). In 1927, at the age of 20, she earned her pilot’s license, quickly making a name for herself with solo long-distance flights.
Marga von Etzdorf’s Berlin - Konstantinople - Berlin Flight (1930)
Total distance: 3,927 kilometers
Took off from Berlin on 18th August 1930, landed in Konstantinople on 23rd August, and returned to Berlin on 3rd September 1930.
Marga von Etzdorf’s Flight from Berlin to Catania
Takeoff from Berlin on 14th November 1930, landing in Catania on 18th December 1930.
Marga von Etzdorf’s Flight from Berlin to Tokyo
18th August 1931 – 29th August 1931
Marga von Etzdorf gained fame in 1931 by flying solo from Germany to Tokyo in a Junkers A50, a remarkable achievement for any pilot at the time. Unfortunately, her life and career were cut short in 1933 when she tragically died by suicide during an attempted flight to Syria after facing technical difficulties and a forced landing.
Marga von Etzdorf remains a significant figure in aviation history, remembered for her bravery and contributions to early female pilots in a male-dominated field.
References
I referenced the following books and magazines in my possession:
"Kiek in die Welt" by Marga von Etzdorf
"Junkers Nachrichten No. 4/5 1930"
"Junkers Nachrichten No. 1 1931"
"Four Continents by Sport Plane" by Wäinö Bremer.
"Die Junkers-Lehrschau, Eine Führung durch die Lehrschau der Junkers Flugzeug- und -Motorenwerke A.-G.. Dessau"
"Elegance and Versatility - Junkers Light Aircraft K16 to A50 Junior"
Further references:
With sincere appreciation, I acknowledge the generous permission granted by Günter Frost for the use of information and illustrations from the ‘Challenge International Avions de Tourisme 1929 and 1930’, which has significantly contributed to this work.
Also, my gratitude to the provided information send to me from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. UDAR-HAZY center, Archive Department