Come fly with me along Liffey
Thousands of people are expected to gather by the quays along the River Liffey, on Sunday 15th September, to experience the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA) and Dublin City Council’s (DCC) FlightFest, a once-in- a-lifetime, international aviation flypast.
Details of the event were announced by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Naoise Ó Muirí, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Leo Varadkar, IAA Chairman, Ms. Anne Nolan, and a number of dignitaries.
Over 30 aircraft will fly through the city of Dublin as part of the Gathering Ireland 2013. They will set off from Dublin Airport, into Dublin Port and up along the River Liffey, as far as the Customs House. The sustained flypast through Dublin city centre will take two hours to complete and the flights will be sequenced at five minutes intervals.
FlightFest will be a free family event. A large section of the quays will be pedestrianised, with many family attractions and festivities available, contributing to a carnival atmosphere that will showcase Irish aviation.
Large commercial aircraft from Ireland and abroad will fly past, including the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320, A321, A300, A330 and A340 aircraft . The Irish Air Corps and the Royal Air Force will also participate and spectators will enjoy a variety of helicopters and vintage aircraft including the World War II Spitfire and the B-17 Flying Fortress.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Naoise Ó Muirí said that such a spectacular flypast, right in the heart of the city, will lift the spirits of Dublin families and those who visit the capital.
“The display of all these aircraft over the Liffey will be a spectacle that will be remembered by old and young for many years to come. Dublin City Council is delighted to work with the IAA, Dublin Port Company and the airlines, along with all those involved in putting together this spectacular family event.”
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar said the event will be a real Gathering highlight. “I can’t wait to see these aircraft flying over the Liffey. It will be a fantastic draw for visitors from overseas and from Ireland. I want to commend the IAA, Dublin City Council and all the organisers for bringing us something unique and special, and for responding to the call to do something for the Gathering.”
FlightFest is being brought to Dublin by the Irish Aviation Authority and Dublin City Council, in partnership with Dublin Port Company, The Gathering Ireland 2013, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, the Air Corps and An Garda Síochána.
Ms. Anne Nolan, Chairman Irish Aviation Authority said that the IAA believed such a unique event was a great opportunity, in the year of The Gathering Ireland 2013, to promote the aviation industry and its contribution to the Irish economy.
“Half of the world’s aviation fleet is now managed from Ireland, with 1,000 people directly employed in the aviation leasing industry in the country. By providing the people of Dublin, and those visiting the city, with an opportunity to see, at close hand, some of the best aircraft in the world, the industry is contributing to attracting domestic and international tourists to the city.”
The aviation financing and leasing community has come together to support the event, along with all the major Irish air operators.
The FlightFest fly past will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, 15th September 2013. The aircraft will be seen from most parts of the city centre. However the best vantage points will be along the River Liffey from Dublin Port right up to the Customs House.
The aircraft confirmed at present include: B-17 Flying Fortress; Pilatus PC9; Learjet; Casa; Gulfstream; Cessna; ML407 Grace Spitfire; RJ85; Sikorsky S92 and S61 and AW139 helicopters; C130 Hercules; Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, A321, A300, A330 and A340. Owners of more aircraft are expected to confirm their participation in the coming weeks.