Swiss watchmaker Breitling has enjoyed a long association with aviation and has been responsible for a variety of unusual feats, but an around the world flight with a classic Douglas DC-3 was perhaps its boldest project yet. Sebastian Schmitz experiences a short hop on board during the closing stages of this remarkable journey.
Every once in a while, you happen upon a story that really captures the imagination. In this case, it’s news that a 77-year old is to embark on an epic round-theworld voyage, a six-month, 24,500nm (45,375km) journey that will traverse two dozen countries, three continents and two oceans. What makes it even more remarkable is that this isn’t a person – an impressive feat in itself – but an aircraft. The old-timer in question is the immaculate Douglas DC-3 HB-IRJ (c/n 2204), operated by the Super Constellation Flyers Association (SCFA) and flying in the colours of Swiss luxury watchmaker Breitling. While many of its stablemates have long since been consigned to museums or, worse still, to the scrap man’s axe, this example has been a star attraction at aviation events across Europe. However, this globetrotting escapade represented an entirely new challenge.
The Tale of an Icon
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