Avolon Launches PIONEERS AND AVIATORS, A CENTURY OF IRISH AVIATION

By: Jun. 30, 2015
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Avolon (NYSE: AVOL), the international aircraft leasing company, today celebrates the launch of Pioneers and Aviators, A Century of Irish Aviation, its commemorative photographic book. The book was formally launched by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. at an event at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin.

The launch incorporated a live performance by renowned composer Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin and also included the inaugural flight of the Irish Historic Flight Foundation, an initiative for Ireland's aviation industry organised by the Irish Aviation Authority.

Pioneers and Aviators, A Century of Irish Aviation | Photographic Book

Pioneers and Aviators, A Century of Irish Aviation is inspired by the documentary of the same name which Avolon commissioned in 2013 and which premiered in the Irish National Concert Hall in the presence of Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins in January 2014.

The book aims to illustrate and memorialise the story of Ireland's role in shaping the global aviation industry over the last century. It is an extraordinary tale of circumstance, courage, bloody mindedness and, at times, grave misfortune. From the landing of the first non-stop (West-East) transatlantic flight in a bog in Clifden in 1919, the departure of the first (East-West) transatlantic flight from Baldonnel in 1928 right through to the development of Aer Lingus, GPA, Ryanair and a list of global players in the aircraft leasing sector today, Ireland truly has a unique place on the global stage of aviation.

Pioneers and Aviators, A Century of Irish Aviation is not available to purchase. However, a copy of the photographic book has been donated to a selection of national libraries and Universities in Ireland. Avolon hopes that the public will take the opportunity to view this historical book and celebrate Ireland's aviation history.

John Higgins, Avolon President & Chief Commercial Officer commented:

"Today is a memorable occasion for all those involved in the making of both the book and the documentary. We were delighted to be joined by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D to formally launch the photographic book which aims to capture Ireland's unique aviation history. We, at Avolon, are extremely proud of our Irish heritage and specifically Ireland's role in the global aviation industry. We set out on this project, not as a commercial endeavour, but simply as a way to memorialise and share what we believe is a fascinating story. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who have made this project a reality, and have helped showcase Ireland's unique aviation history."

Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority, said:

"Building on this wonderful chronicle 'Pioneers and Aviators' launched today, Irish Historic Flight Foundation is a fantastic initiative for the aviation industry to celebrate Ireland's rich aviation heritage. The Foundation has wide industry support, from the likes of the Irish Air Corps, Department of Defence, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Stobart Air, the Irish Aviation Authority and a team of dedicated volunteers. Now we're entering an exciting phase as we build a dedicated 'Aviation Experience' facility at Baldonnel. Visitors will be immersed in aviation as they'll be able to view historic aircraft up close and gain an in-depth scientific understanding of aviation and flight. We're looking forward to the opening of this state-of-the-art, interactive facility to the public in the coming years."

Additional Information:

Pioneers and Aviators | A Documentary on Irish Aviation

The documentary premiered in the Irish National Concert Hall in the presence of Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins in January 2014. It was commissioned by Avolon and tells the story of the pioneering individuals whose vision, passion, successes and failures helped forge Ireland's unique aviation landscape. The documentary charts Ireland's aviation history, from its beginnings with the first transatlantic flight landing in the west of Ireland, through to the present day and the role Ireland and the Irish play in the global aviation industry.

The documentary was broadcast on television by RTÉ, Ireland's National Television and Radio Broadcaster, as a two part series in February 2014.

The documentary is available to view on the About Us section of the Avolon website at www.avolon.aero

Director | Alan Gilsenan

The documentary was written and directed by Alan Gilsenan, an award winning Irish film-maker, writer and theatre director. His work has appeared on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, RTÉ, the History Channel and CNBC among others. Alan is currently a member of the Board of RTÉ. He has previously held positions on the Irish Film Board, the Irish Film Institute and Film-Makers Ireland.

Score | Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin

The score for the film was composed by the renowned composer Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the National University of Ireland, in 2005 for his contribution to music in Ireland over the past thirty years.

Micheál has also created an original overture which was performed at the event by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

Irish Historic Flight Foundation

The Irish Historic Flight Foundation (IHFF) is an initiative for Ireland's aviation industry, established in December 2014 to promote the historical aspects of aviation in the State. The Foundation has received wide industry support, from the likes of the Irish Air Corps, Department of Defence, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Stobart Air, the Irish Aviation Authority and a team of dedicated volunteers.

It is involved in two key areas of activity:

1. The restoration, maintenance and public flying of historic aircraft: IHFF has a fleet of three De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk aircraft flying in Air Corps colours and the historic DH 84 Dragon (the Aer Lingus 'Iolar') is being added.

2. The establishment of a dedicated 'aviation experience' facility, allowing the public to both view historic aircraft up close and gain an in-depth scientific understanding of aviation and flight. Rather than a static display museum, it will be a state-of-the-art interactive facility, where visitors will be immersed in aviation. A suitable site has been identified at Baldonnel (Casement Aerodrome) and the Foundation intends to submit a formal planning application by year-end with a view to having the facility in place in 2017.

Visit www.irishhistoricflight.com

ENDS

About Avolon

Headquartered in Ireland, with offices in the United States, Dubai, Singapore and China, Avolon provides aircraft leasing and lease management services. Avolon has an owned, managed and committed fleet of 251 aircraft serving 51 customers in 29 countries as of March 31, 2015. Avolon is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol AVOL.

www.avolon.aero



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