Spitfire and B-17 part of Dublin city flypast

A second World War Spitfire and a B-17 Flying Fortress will take to the skies above Dublin city as part of an international flypast.

More than 30 different types of aircraft, including military, vintage and large commercial carriers, will fly as low as 335m for FlightFest on Sunday September 15th.

Up to a quarter of a million people are expected to line the quays along the River Liffey for the event, which is being organised by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and Dublin City Council.

IAA chairman Anne Nolan said the day will promote the aviation industry and its contribution to the Irish economy.

“Half of the world’s aviation fleet is now managed from Ireland, with 1,000 people directly employed in the aviation leasing industry in the country,” she said.

“By providing the people of Dublin, and those visiting the city, with an opportunity to see, at close hand, some of the best aircraft in the world, the industry is contributing to attracting domestic and international tourists to the city.”

The sustained flypast through the capital will start at 2pm and take two hours to complete, with flights sequenced at five-minute intervals.

The Irish Air Corps and the Royal Air Force will fly a variety of helicopters and vintage aircraft on the day, including the Grace Spitfire ML407 and Flying Fortress.

The Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320, A321, A300, A330 and A340 will be among the large commercial aircraft from Ireland an abroad.

Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar described the event as a highlight of the gathering, a year of celebrations aimed at getting Ireland's Diaspora and tourists to visit for a holiday.

“It will be a fantastic draw for visitors from overseas and from Ireland,” he added.

PA