Iconic DC-3 Aircraft to Feature at Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow

The renowned DC-3 aircraft, known as the Spirit of Douglas, is set to make a notable appearance at the upcoming Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow during Easter 2024. This event will showcase the aircraft as part of its ambitious Global Tour, celebrating its rich aviation history.

Originally constructed in 1942 by the Douglas Aircraft Company in California, the Spirit of Douglas served in the China-Burma-India theatre for the US Air Force before transitioning to civilian operations. Over the decades, the aircraft has earned a cherished status in aviation culture, featuring in the 1994 film Richie Rich and participating in significant commemorations, such as the 75th and 80th anniversaries of D-Day at Duxford and Normandy.

In 2023, Christchurch businessman Mark Stewart acquired the aircraft, driven by a lifelong passion for flying and exploration. Stewart expressed that his deepening understanding of the aircraft’s lineage has forged a strong personal connection. He regards Donald Douglas, the visionary behind the aircraft’s design, as a transformative figure in global travel and modern aviation.

Stewart describes the Spirit of Douglas project as an opportunity to celebrate the “endurance, elegance, and spirit of exploration” that the DC-3 symbolizes. The initiative also pays homage to the legacy of Donald Douglas through a modern recreation of a round-the-world journey, reminiscent of the pioneering efforts of early Douglas aircraft.

The tour commemorates several significant milestones in aviation history: the 100th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe by a Douglas World Cruiser in 1924 and the 90th anniversary of the DC-3’s inaugural flight in 1935. The Spirit of Douglas Global Tour commenced in August 2023, beginning in the United States and making various stops, including a crossing to France before continuing across Europe and beyond.

The team behind the aircraft sees the journey as both a tribute to aviation history and a reminder of the profound impact Douglas aircraft have had on the world. Ed Taylor, general manager of Warbirds Over Wanaka, expressed his excitement about having such a significant example of the DC-3 at the airshow. “The DC-3 is one of the most enduring aircraft types ever built, and to celebrate its 90th anniversary year with this particular aircraft is going to be special,” Taylor noted.

For those interested in following the journey of the Spirit of Douglas, updates are available at www.spiritofdouglas.org. The upcoming airshow promises to be a remarkable event, celebrating both the legacy of the DC-3 and the spirit of aviation.