Is it a bird, is it a plane… no it’s an Irish plane Iolar where the Aer Lingus eagle dares again.
Should you have been out for a stroll around Bristol in the West Country of England on May 27, 1936 then you’d have been in for a shock.
When a Havilland DH.84 Dragon, or Iolar or Irish eagle in Gaelic parlance, flew over your head.
If you’re still around today of course, you won’t bat an eyelid at metal birds flying over your heads.
But sometimes it does no harm to turn the clock back.
And that’s what Aer Lingus has done, flying the EI-ABIIolar from Dublin to Bristol as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations.
The craic was 90

Back in 1936, Aer Lingus was a fledgling airline with one aircraft, one route, five passengers, driven by an ambition to connect Ireland to the world.
Since then, the airline has flown everyone from Popes to Presidents, proudly providing an enduring connection between Ireland, the UK, Europe and North America.
Aer Lingus’ de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, EI-ABIIolar, is one of the last remaining aircrafts of its type and represents Ireland’s rich and storied aviation history.
As Aer Lingus’ first aircraft, EI-ABI Iolaroperated for two years with the newly-formed Irish airline, before it was sold and later lost during World War II.
Today’s Iolaris, a sister aircraft to the original, which was welcomed into the Aer Lingus fleet in the 1960s.
It was first restored for the airline’s 50th anniversary in 1986. Now re-registered as EI-ABI, Iolar remains an enduring symbol of Aer Lingus’ heritage.
The Irish Volunteers

Iolar had been proudly on display in Aer Lingus’ maintenance headquarters at Dublin Airport in recent years.
With preparations to return the aircraft to its former glory commencing ahead of Aer Lingus’ 90th anniversary.
The four‑month restoration, carried out by Midland Aviation at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in County Longford, was supported by a dedicated group of Aer Lingus volunteers.
The skilled team combined archival research, engineering expertise and traditional craftsmanship to restore the aircraft.
‘While preserving its structural integrity and historical authenticity.
The restoration work included maintenance and certification checks, including full top overhauls of both engines and careful cosmetic restoration of the airframe.
With the skills of one of Ireland’s last aviation carpenters playing a vital role in preserving the aircraft’s authenticity.
Around the world with Aer Lingus

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘I am incredibly proud of the dedication and expertise shown by our colleagues and partners in bringing Iolar back to life.
‘And preserve an important piece of our history for future generations.
‘As we mark our 90th anniversary, we’re conscious not only of where we have come from, but how far we have progressed over the past nine decades.
‘From that first flight carrying five passengers across the Irish Sea, the airline today connects Ireland to over 100 destinations across Europe, the UK and North America.’
Of course, much as we would like the intimacy of a five-passenger flight we recognise times change and will relent to share our experience with others.
Even when liquored-up rugger buggers (and England’s west country is full of them) think it’s a great wheeze.
To chuck nuts at each other and past our heads.
Thankfully though Aer Lingus’s angels in the air are always there to intervene on our behalf.

































