Iconic airliner Pan Am to touch down in Shannon once again

ONE of the most iconic airliners of the 20th Century, Pan Am, is to touch down at Shannon this summer.

In what is being described as “a private air journey for the ages”, 50 well-heeled travellers will travel transatlantic on a custom-designed Pan Am jet, enjoying a stopover in Limerick.

The trip is retracing the golden era of travel, when the experience of enjoying air travel was as exciting as the destination itself.

It’s being put together by US group travel specialist Criterion Travel for the owner of the Pan Am brand Craig Carter.

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The experience is limited to just 50 people who will travel on board a private Boeing 757-200 charter aircraft.

The aim of the trip is to honour the legacy of Pan Am. High-end service, stays in top hotels, fascinating destinations, and memories of the glory days of Pan Am come as standard.

Not surprisingly, the experience comes with a premium price tag - €55,040 based on two people sharing, or 10% more for solo travellers.

Limerick is keeping up its side of the bargain in terms of the high-class luxury.

After landing in Shannon, the guests will transfer to the five-star Adare Manor hotel - the final resort they will stay in on their 12-day journey.

There is a trip to the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum.

This attraction re-opened last year after a €5m upgrade, with a revamped aviation museum, a flying boat replica, cinema, and flight simulators.

It also houses an exhibition marking actress Maureen O’Hara’s life and times, and connection to Foynes.

The journey kicks off on June 16 next from New York, returning to the same destination on June 28.

Once a major force in global travel, Pan Am had ceased all operations by 1991.