A century of flight to be celebrated in Majorca

THE Majorcan Aeronautic Foundation is planning a week-long celebration at the end of June this year to celebrate a centenary of flight on the island.
It was on 28th June in 1910 when the aviator Mamet arrived in Palma aboard the steamship Jaume I accompanied by his mechanics and aircraft “Bleriot.” From the port, the aircraft was transported by trailer to the Son Masia hippodrome some six kilometres away where Mamet gave an exhibition the same day to local authorities, the press and invited guests. He made two flights of 2 and 5 minutes, climbing to 200 metres and turning in an arc over the runway and aircraft hangar.

The celebratory programme will begin on 21st June and will include exhibitions of historic aircraft, provide free talks on the development of air transport in the islands over the past century, and the unveiling of a commemorative statue on the Paseo Maritimo in Palma. The events have been sponsored by the Balearic government, Palma City Council, Marratxi town council, the Spanish Airports Authority (AENA), the Spanish National Air Force, and the Majorcan Tourist Board.