Shannon Airport is preparing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the landing of the first passenger aircraft at the airport on Thursday, July 11.
On July 11, 1939, a tri-motor Sabena Davoia Marchetti S-73 Belgian airliner landed at the newly-opened and then-named Rineanna airfield. The flight's passengers were greeted with cheers from the fledgling airport's staff and, by the time the crew returned later that night for their return trip, approximately 500 people had gathered to watch the aircraft's take-off.
"Hugely Proud Of History"
In a statement on Shannon Airport's website, Shannon Group acting CEO Mary Considine said, "We are hugely proud of history here at Shannon, and our pioneering reputation is recognised and respected across the world of aviation. Shannon Airport was the first European gateway for transatlantic flights, and over the past eight decades, we have welcomed every serving US President, royalty, famous actors and musicians along with tens of millions of international travellers.
"We are very proud of the place we have earned through our commitment to innovation in global aviation. Today, we are remembering not just the 80 years, but everyone who helped build this special airport and worked with pride and dedication across those decades to make it such a storied and central part of this region.
"Above all, we are an airport that is imbedded in our community. We would like to thank our customers for their loyalty and support over the years, and ask them for their continued support in the years ahead."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
