- Aer Lingus has opened Iolar to visitors at Weston Airport
- The de Havilland DH.84 Dragon recently returned to flight for the 90th anniversary
- The aircraft recreates the airline’s inaugural 1936 Dublin to Bristol service
- Iolar is one of the last surviving examples of its type
- The event supports the work of the Aer Lingus Charitable Foundation
The Aer Lingus Charitable Foundation has opened the historic aircraft Iolar to visitors at Weston Airport this Friday, offering aviation enthusiasts a rare opportunity to view one of the most significant aircraft in Irish aviation history. The de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, registration EI-ABI and known as Iolar (Irish for Eagle), recently returned to the skies as part of Aer Lingus’ 90th anniversary celebrations, recreating the airline’s inaugural 1936 Dublin to Bristol service. The aircraft is one of the last surviving examples of its type and has undergone an extensive restoration programme supported by Aer Lingus volunteers and specialists to return it to flying condition.
Visitors to Weston have had the chance to view the historic aircraft, meet those involved in preserving this important piece of Irish aviation heritage, and learn more about the work of the Aer Lingus Charitable Foundation. The current Iolar is a sister aircraft to the original Aer Lingus DH.84 Dragon that inaugurated services in 1936 and has long served as a flying ambassador for Irish aviation heritage. The aircraft’s return to flight has attracted strong interest from aviation enthusiasts across Ireland since its recent re-entry to service.
Anyone with an interest in classic aircraft, Aer Lingus history, or Irish aviation has been encouraged to take the opportunity to see this remarkable aircraft at Weston Airport. The event forms part of Aer Lingus’ year-long 90th anniversary commemorations, which have included special flights, heritage exhibitions, and community engagement activities. The Aer Lingus Charitable Foundation supports a range of community and heritage initiatives across Ireland.
Aer Lingus, shared: “Iolar is a truly special aircraft that represents the very beginnings of Aer Lingus, and we are delighted to give aviation enthusiasts the opportunity to see this piece of Irish aviation history up close at Weston Airport.”
