A twin-engine propeller-driven Douglas DC-3 that made its maiden flight 77 years ago is now flying around the world sponsored by Swiss watch manufacturer Breitling and touched down on Sunday for its local stopover. It is off to Taipei today.
The plane took off on its round-the-world trip from Switzerland on March 9 to mark the day it first flew 77 years ago. The Breitling DC-3 HB-IRJ, parked in a hanger at the local airport, was originally a military aircraft and used as a bomber during World War II, after which it went on to be a cargo and sightseeing plane.The US, Russia and Japan built about 16,000 DC-3 planes for military use during World War II.
Captain Fransisco Agullo (left) and pilot Paul Bazeley pose in front of the Breitling DC-3 HB-IRJ at the airport in Taipa yesterday. Photo: Iong Tat Choi
