On 24th October 1945, a DC-4 aircraft operated by American Overseas Airlines landed at Shannon Airport, making history as the first scheduled, commercial, transatlantic passenger flight from the United States. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of this ground breaking achievement, we proudly spotlight the enduring values that made it possible:
This celebration honours Shannon’s pioneering role in aviation history, the spirit that made transatlantic flight a reality, and our ongoing commitment to connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.
TIME, SEALED & DELIVERED - CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF INNOVATION
Eighty years ago, the first commercial transatlantic passenger flight marked a bold leap into the future and was a testament to the ambition and pioneering spirit of early aviation innovators. It wasn’t just a technical achievement; it was a vision realised, opening the skies to global connection and endless possibility.
To honour this milestone, The Shannon Airport Group is launching a Time Capsule project that invites our community (passengers, staff, partners and local groups including schools) to reflect on how far we’ve come and imagine where innovation might take us next. From that single historic flight to over 2 million passengers annually, and daily transatlantic departures from Shannon Airport, the story of aviation is one of continuous progress.
The Shannon Airport Time Capsule will preserve voices from today via items, stories and photos, as well as the hopes, predictions, and visions for the next 80 years. From technology and transport to culture and community, what symbolises where we are now and what breakthroughs do we think will shape the future? What effect will our efforts in sustainability have had? How will innovation transform our lives? By sealing these reflections, we’re not just commemorating the past - we’re inspiring the future.
Those interested in contributing to the "Time, Sealed and Delivered" project are encouraged to think about 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!
Please complete the submission form below before September 29th to send us a suggestion!
Specifications:
• Items should represent what life or travel are like now or what you think it will be like in the future
• Item size should be max. approx. 100mm (h) x 70mm (w).
• Smaller items preferred e.g. letters/photos/drawings welcome which can be folded/rolled.
• If chosen from the submission suggestions, you must be able to send your item to The Shannon Airport Group by 10th October 2025
• You must be happy for your object/photo/letter to be sealed in the Time Capsule for 80 years
• The people behind the chosen submissions will be invited to an event to seal the capsule.