Already in 1950, KLM purchased the “Constellation”, after the DC-4 proved at an early stage, that it wasn’t competitive for long haul routes. When Lockheed advanced the airplane to a “Super Constellation”, KLM ordered – parallel with the DC-6 – the L-1049 Super Constellation and operated it for the first time in 1953. The “Connie” won the popularity contest, but couldn’t survive long at KLM, because it couldn’t win against the economical aspects of the DC-6.