Historic Iolar aircraft makes special visit to Shannon Airport marking 90th anniversary celebrations

Historic Aer Lingus Iolar aircraft makes unique visit to Shannon Airport. Pictured are Ray O’Driscoll, CEO The Shannon Airport Group, Mike Kelly, Curator of the Aviation Galleries at Shannon Airport, which houses the world’s largest private collection of diecast model aircraft and Colette Malone, Ground Staff, Aer Lingus. Pic Arthur Ellis

One of Ireland’s most iconic aircraft, the Aer Lingus Iolar, visits Shannon Airport as part of the airline’s 90th anniversary year

Shannon Airport welcomed Aer Lingus’ restored EI-ABI Iolar to the runway as one of Ireland’s most iconic and historical aircrafts helps celebrate the airliner’s 90th anniversary year.

Staff, visitors, and aviation enthusiasts alike gathered to see the beautifully restored aircraft, one of the last surviving of its type. The plane is a sister ship to Aer Lingus’ original Iolar, which operated the airline’s inaugural service 90 years ago.

The aircraft offers a unique glimpse into the earliest days of commercial aviation in Ireland.

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Welcoming the aircraft, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll, said the arrival marked a “special moment for everyone with an interest in aviation history” and also provided a “wonderful reminder” of Shannon Airport and Aer Lingus’ “enduring relationship”.

He added, “This aircraft offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of air travel. While aviation has changed beyond recognition over the past 90 years, its importance in bringing people and places together remains as strong as ever. We are delighted to welcome the Iolar to Shannon as part of this landmark anniversary year.”

Aer Lingus COO Adrian Dunne said it is “particularly special” to bring the aircraft to Shannon Airport as the airline celebrates its 90th anniversary.

He noted, “The Iolar reflects the ambition and pioneering spirit on which Aer Lingus was founded in 1936. Across nine decades, our purpose has remained the same – connecting people, families, communities and businesses.

“Shannon Airport has played an important role in the Aer Lingus story for generations, and we are proud to mark this milestone anniversary with one of our longest-standing airport partners.”

Mike Kelly, Curator of the Shannon Airport Aviation Gallery, was one of the viewers on hand to welcome the aircraft, saying it was a “real privilege” to see the Iolar in person, having displayed its model in the Aviation Gallery for many years.

He said, “I’ve been lucky enough to see all sorts of planes over the years, but this one is something special. It’s a beautiful piece of history. The minute you step aboard, you get a sense of what flying was like in those early days, and that’s something you can’t really appreciate from photographs or books. It’s a credit to everyone who worked on its restoration.

“Shannon Airport has welcomed some of the world’s most famous aircraft over the decades, and today it can add the Iolar to that list. It’s been a day to remember!”