Media

To commemorate the incredible success of FlightFest, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has commissioned a short film that showcases the spectacular highlights of the fly past event, which took place over Dublin on the 15^th September.

FlightFest was a free national event which celebrated Ireland’s contribution to the global aviation industry as part of The Gathering Ireland 2013. It was the largest single event of The Gathering, during which over 130,000 lined the quays of the Liffey and over 100,000 more have watched it online so far. Commercial, military and historical aircraft, representing every decade from the 1930s to the present day, took part in this sustained three hour fly past through Dublin city centre.

The IAA was the lead organiser of FlightFest and worked in close partnership with Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána. The event was widely supported by both domestic and international aviation stakeholders, including: airlines, the Air Corps, finance and leasing companies, legal and taxation companies, general aviation, airports, training institutions and aircraft manufacturers.

The IAA provided crucial air traffic control for the event. Although the fly past took place less than five nautical miles from Dublin Airport, FlightFest had no impact on normal operations at the country’s busiest aerodrome; a testament to the rigorous planning and considerable skill applied to managing this unique air traffic. The IAA also provided safety regulation oversight for FlightFest, ensuring that it was as safe as it was exciting.

Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive IAA said ‘We are extremely proud to have organised FlightFest and are absolutely thrilled with its phenomenal success. Right from the very inception of the FlightFest idea, the Irish aviation industry was keen to support the event. All of the major Irish airlines participated with aircraft, while the aviation business community helped to make it possible through their generous donations. FlightFest not only gave the local economy a welcome boost of €11 million, but also championed the considerable successes of Irish aviation to a global audience. This short film is our way of chronicling this once in a lifetime event’.

For press/media queries, please contact:

Tony Lane,

Communications Executive,

+353 86 791 1864.