AN ICONIC 1940s aircraft flew into the region today.
The 1944-built Douglas DC3 flew into Newcastle from Amsterdam, before taking a small number of passengers on a short flight over the North Sea.
The KLM-owned plane saw service with the 8th Air Force during the Second World War and was later purchased by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, before becoming the first official aircraft of the Dutch government.
It was retired in 1975 but brought back into service in 1998 and has been flying ever since.
In 2010, it was renamed Princes Amalia, after Prince Bernhard’s great-granddaughter.
Warner Rootliep, general manager of UK and Ireland Air France KLM, said: “The DC3 is such an iconic aircraft and it is a historic moment to welcome it to Newcastle.”
Dave Laws, chief executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We’re delighted to welcome this historic DC3 aircraft to Newcastle Airport.”
The DC3 will visit Durham Tees Valley Airport tomorrow (Thursday, June 26), Humberside on Friday and Norwich on Saturday, before returning to Amsterdam.
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