The Douglas DC-3 twin-engine propeller plane first took to the skies in 1935, during the years when Breitling was producing its first onboard chronographs for civilian and military planes.
Thanks to its performance, its sturdiness, its low fuel consumption and its long range, it revolutionized air transport.
At the end of the 1930s, most of the major American and European companies were equipped with this model.
During World War II, a period when Willy Breitling was supplying his reliable and accurate instruments to the Allied forces, the DC-3 played a leading role in troop transport, and particularly in its so-called Dakota version.
Nicknamed the "Normandy landings' plane," it enjoyed its moment of fame in June 1944 by towing countless gliders and dropping thousands of paratroops on the coasts of Normandy. In fact, General Eisenhower paid it a vibrant homage by counting it among the four"pillars" of victory in Africa and Europe.
Breitling DC-3
On 9 March 1940, the twin-engine propeller-driven Douglas DC-3 that now flies under Breitling colors made its maiden flight in the United States. Three days later, it was delivered to American Airlines. Hired out to the army from 1942 to 1944, it was subsequently used by various North American companies.
Maintained in exceptional condition, it illustrates the brand's determination to safeguard the finest gems in the history of the conquest of the skies.
Bought back in 2008 by pilot Francisco Agullo and a group of friends with Breitling's support, and then restored, this veteran in perfect flying condition has since taken part in many aeronautical shows as well as events held by the brand.
In 2017, Breitling sets the DC-3 on a world tour, in stages punctuated with various event appearances as well as participations in airshows.
Breitling DC-3 World Tour
Kicking off on 9 March at press conference, Jean-Paul Girardin, Vice-President of Breitling also unveiled the 500-piece limited edition Navitimer Breitling DC-3 that will accompany the DC-3 on its world tour – and which will be put on sale in the fall with a certificate signed by the captain.
The pilots will also wear the specially engraved chronograph throughout the journey.
After the Balkans, the Breitling DC-3 will head for the Middle East and India, followed by South East Asia, China and Japan, where it has received a special invitation to take part in the Iwakuni "Friendship Day Air Show."
It will then cross the ocean to begin a grand tour of the United States, prior to returning to Europe via Greenland and Iceland and completing its journey in September at the Breitling Sion Airshow 2017 in Switzerland.
At 77 years old, the Breitling DC-3 is the oldest airplane to undertake a round the world tour and this new claim to fame will be one more to add to the already long list of its achievements.
With the DC-3 World Tour, Breitling once again demonstrates and shares its passion for aeronautics.
