A team of aviation enthusiasts and funding partners are set to announce on Monday the launch of the Alcock and Brown Centennial Celebrations 2019.
A news release states Aviation History Newfoundland and Labrador plans to host several events and activities in St. John’s to commemorate the 1919 achievement — the first successful, non-stop transatlantic flight.
On June 14, 1919, Capt. John Alcock and Lt. Arthur Brown of the Royal Air Force took off from Lester’s Field in St. John’s and landed 16 hours and 12 minutes later on a bog at Clifden, Ireland.
The news release states the planned celebrations will mark the significant accomplishments of Alcock and Brown, and acknowledge how the historic event marked the beginning of the commercial aviation industry worldwide.
In addition, the events will highlight the spirit of adventure and innovation, and the drive to succeed.
The upcoming Alcock and Brown 100th Anniversary Celebration has captured the attention of aviation enthusiasts worldwide, the news release states. It consists of over 20 initiatives supported by the private and public sectors, including a commemorative flight to Ireland, aviators’ ball, garden party, downtown festival, commemorative sculpture, city reception, historic stage production and commemorative print.
