Shannon Airport launches 'mega giveaway' celebrating 80 years of transatlantic flight

THIS AUTUMN marks the 80th anniversary of the first transatlantic passenger flight landing at Shannon Airport, and the airport is doing a “mega giveaway” to celebrate the occasion.

The first scheduled, commercial, transatlantic passenger flight landed in the airport on October 24, 1945. 

To commemorate “eight decades of global connection”, Shannon Airport is launching 'Ready, Jet, Go' – a “mega giveaway” of 80 flights to destinations around the world.

The giveaway will run for the month of September with 40 pairs of return flights up for grabs each day to destinations across the EU, the UK and US. 

“From sun-soaked holiday hotspots like Madrid, Barcelona and Lanzarote to top cities such as Paris, New York and Frankfurt, Shannon Airport is giving away flights on all its routes and more,” a spokesperson for Shannon Airport confirmed.

“Everyone who enters will also be included in a master draw with the chance to win one of three grand prizes – flights to San Francisco, Las Vegas and Orlando - courtesy of easy onward connection from Shannon via New York-Newark.”

Vanessa McTigue, commercial director of The Shannon Airport Group said: “Shannon Airport has always been about connection – not just across oceans, but between partners, passengers and communities. As we commemorate 80 years of connection across the Atlantic, our ‘Ready, Jet, Go’ giveaway is our way of celebrating this important milestone with our customers. 

“Whether it’s a romantic escape to Paris, a reunion in New York, sunshine on the Costa del Sol, or a dream adventure to San Francisco, Las Vegas or Orlando, we’re giving people a fun chance to jet off – on us!”

A spokesperson for the airport added: “With flights around the globe to give away, Shannon Airport is teaming up with one of Ireland’s favourite travel gurus, Sarah Slattery, known as 'The Travel Expert'. 

“With over two decades of industry experience and an award-winning travel platform, Sarah will be sharing holiday inspiration, destination guides, and insider tips throughout the campaign. Her passion for exploring the world makes her the perfect ambassador for Shannon’s celebration of connection.”

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Sarah Slattery said: “Flying back and forth to the US is so easy these days - and Shannon Airport makes it even easier with 5 daily flights and full US pre-clearance before you take off. But 80 years ago, that first transatlantic flight landing at Shannon was a huge moment in aviation history and it went on to pave the way for how we travel the world today.”

She continued: “That's why I’m really excited to be part of the ‘Ready, Jet, Go’ giveaway. Shannon is such a hassle-free airport to fly from - and when you’ve got the chance to fly for free to incredible destinations, it's even better.”

To enter, visit Shannon Airport’s social media channels daily from Thursday, September 4 to Tuesday, September 30 to access the digital scratch card. 

Enter your name and email, then ‘Scratch’ by swiping a finger across your mobile phone screen to reveal if you’re a lucky winner! 

For full details, terms and conditions, go to www.shannonairport.ie/competition

The 'Ready, Jet, Go' mega giveaway is one of several initiatives to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first commercial, transatlantic passenger flight to Shannon, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.