90 years of flying: Aer Lingus’ oldest aircraft takes to the skies again

Restored 1936 de Havilland Dragon flies original Dublin–Bristol route on the exact date of the airline’s inaugural flight, ninety years on

Aer Lingus is marking 90 years of flying as it unveils its newly-restored Iolar aircraft. EI-ABI, known as Iolar (Irish for eagle), is a rare de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, which dates back to 1936. The aircraft will today fly from Dublin to Bristol, recreating Aer Lingus’ inaugural flight of 27 May 1936 – a journey which marked the beginning of the airline’s story of growth and resilience, which continues today.

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-ABI Iolar, is one of the last remaining aircrafts of its type and represents Ireland’s rich and storied aviation history. Today’s flight to Bristol Airport is a special voyage for the aircraft as it marks Aer Lingus’ 90^th anniversary.

As Aer Lingus’ first aircraft, EI-ABI Iolar operated for two years with the newly-formed Irish airline, before it was sold and later lost during World War II. Today’s Iolar is 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 50^th anniversary in 1986. Now re-registered as EI-ABI, Iolar remains an enduring symbol of Aer Lingus’ heritage.

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’ 90^th 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.

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said: “The restoration of Iolar is a powerful way for us to reconnect with the very beginnings of our airline 90 years ago and the pioneering spirit that shaped Irish aviation.

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and expertise shown by our colleagues and partners in bringing Iolar back to life, preserving 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.

“The story we started in 1936 is still being written and we intend to make the next chapter as innovative and groundbreaking as the first.”

This project has been supported by the Aer Lingus Charitable Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving Ireland’s industrial and transport heritage for future generations.

Watch the full story of EI-ABI Iolar’s restoration here: https://youtu.be/BVJpHCZnl2E