Media

More than 130,000 people lined the banks of the Liffey today to watch the historic FlightFest fly-past between the East Link Bridge and the Talbot Memorial Bridge (figures provided by An Garda Síochána, Chief Superintendent Mick Sullivan). The spectacular event was brought to a close by the British Airways A380 Airbus, which loomed large over Dublin city.

Click here to view a video of FlightFest

FlightFest was made possible by a partnership of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and Dublin City Council in association with the air finance and leasing community and The Gathering Ireland 2013.

IAA Chief Executive Eamonn Brennan said:

“We are absolutely delighted with the tremendous success of FlightFest. Aviation in Ireland is a major contributor to the economy through jobs, and the air finance and leasing community, so it was fantastic to be able to showcase Ireland’s deep involvement with aviation on the world stage. We have seen some of the world’s most impressive aircraft today, and I would like to thank the people of Dublin and Ireland for their interest and enthusiasm in supporting FlightFest today.”

“I would like to express our thanks to everyone who got involved in FlightFest – IAA staff who have worked tirelessly, the airlines including Aer Lingus, Aer Lingus Regional, Cityjet, Ryanair, British Airways, Etihad, Air Contractors, FlyBe, Transaero – and of course the Air Corps – and all those who helped us on the ground – An Garda Síochána, the Navy, local businesses and of course all of our financial sponsors.”

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Oisín Quinn said:

“The spectacular sight of these aircraft over the River Liffey and the centre of Dublin will be remembered by all who viewed it for many years to come. Dublin City Council is committed to providing free family fun in the city and today’s display will rank as one of the best Dublin has ever seen.  Dublin City Council is delighted to have worked with everyone involved in putting this event together, in particular the Irish Aviation Authority, The Gathering Ireland 2013 and Dublin Port Company together with the airlines and private owners.”

One of the stars of the fly-past was the new British Airways Airbus A380. Simon Daly, British Airways Manager for Ireland, said:

“British Airways is delighted to showcase our new Airbus A380 at FlightFest and be part of the biggest fly past of aircraft in Irish aviation history.  As the world’s largest commercial aircraft, we are very proud of what the A380 has to offer and we are looking forward to customers from Ireland being able to experience this fantastic aeroplane when it comes into service later this month on flights between London Heathrow and Los Angeles. We will also be commencing services to Hong Kong from October and to Johannesburg early next year.”