Shannon Airport marks anniversary of special flight with 'nostalgic' time capsule

THE SHANNON Airport Group is celebrating a special anniversary by launching a time capsule to capture the past, present and future.

On October 24, 1945, a DC-4 aircraft operated by American Overseas Airlines touched down at Shannon Airport, making history as the first scheduled, commercial transatlantic passenger flight. 

Eight decades later, The Shannon Airport Group is commemorating this landmark moment with a "nostalgic, community driven time capsule initiative that encapsulates the past, present and future".

The Shannon Airport Group is inviting members of the public – including passengers, staff, community groups, local schools and children - to contribute to a time capsule that will be sealed and buried at the airport this October. 

Submissions may include stories, drawings, photographs, or reflections that capture life today and imagine the world of tomorrow. 

“This initiative celebrates Shannon’s pioneering role in aviation history and the spirit of innovation that continues to shape its future,” a spokesperson for the organisation said. 

“From the first transatlantic passenger flight to over two million passengers annually and five daily departures to the US, Shannon’s story is one of ambition, vision and steady progress through the decades.”

READ MORE: Spinning wheel donated to famine village in memory of 'beloved' Limerick teacher

Head of operations at The Shannon Airport Group, Pamela Brooks said: “Celebrating 80 years of transatlantic travel is a remarkable milestone - not just for Shannon Airport and the Mid-West, but for the global aviation community. 

“It’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come since that first historic flight in 1945. Today, Shannon offers daily transatlantic services to New York, Chicago, and Boston, and we’ve even witnessed the European debut of the first electric aircraft this year. With so much progress behind us, we thought it would be exciting to also look ahead. Who knows what the next 80 years will bring? 

“Through this time capsule project, we’re inviting our passengers, partners, and the wider community to imagine that future with us - while also capturing what life looks like for us all at this moment in time.”

Those interested in contributing to The Shannon Airport Group’s ‘Time, Sealed and Delivered’ project are encouraged to think about things such as future travel, technology, sustainability, culture and community. 

They are urged to consider how they would share their hopes and predictions for the next 80 years, as well as what items might reflect life as it is now in 2025 – a photo, letter, small souvenir, newspaper article – or something completely unique!

The call for submission of ideas closes on Monday, September 29, with selected, physical items required by Friday, October 10. 

The capsule will be sealed during a special ceremony at Shannon Airport later that month, to which chosen contributors will be invited.

For full details and to submit an idea, please go to www.snnairportgroup.ie/about-us/80-year-celebration/