Friday will see St. John’s commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean, which took off from Newfoundland.
British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown started their historic voyage on June 14, 1919.
READ MORE: Calgarians celebrate National Aviation Day, 110th anniversary of powered flight in Canada
They departed from what is now St. John’s and flew 16 hours through harsh conditions before landing in Ireland.
Get daily National news
Gary Hebbard, who writes on aviation history, says the flight shaped international air travel as it is known today.
Museum exhibits, re-enactments and aircraft displays began in St. John’s in May to celebrate the pair’s achievement and the province’s aviation history.
WATCH: Remembering the 17 victims of Cougar Flight 491
John Alcock’s nephew, Tony Alcock, spoke to a crowd in St. John’s last month about the lessons of teamwork and resilience that can be drawn from the historic flight.
- Canadians involved in tourist bus crash in Dominican Republic, embassy says
- Canadians stuck in Middle East say cities ‘very tense’ as Iran conflict escalates
- Alberta mulls ditching time switch — again — as B.C. moves to permanent daylight
- In London, Poilievre pitches new UK, Australia, New Zealand partnership
-
![]()
Missiles strike Bahrain, UAE as Iran retaliates for US-Israel assault -
![]()
BC’s Iranian community raising concerns for loved ones amid celebrations over strikes in Iran -
![]()
What’s next: Iran’s uncertain future after Ayatollah’s death -
![]()
Canada and India reset relationship despite claims of continued interference
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.