Honoring the Past: American Airlines Charters Special Flight for 80th Anniversary of D-Day Landings

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, American Airlines has announced a special charter flight for 70 World War II veterans. The trip will begin with a send-off parade at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, where the veterans will board a chartered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for Paris on May 31. Once in France, the veterans will spend two days in Paris before heading to Normandy for a series of events, including a ceremony at the American Cemetery.

This initiative by American Airlines comes after Delta Air Lines announced similar plans to fly 60 World War II veterans directly to Normandy for the third year in a row. Among the veterans being flown by American Airlines is Frank Perry, a former pilot with Piedmont Airlines and a turret gunner in the Army Air Corps. Another veteran on the flight is Felix Maurizio, a US Navy veteran who was involved in the D-Day landings at Omaha Beach.

David Seymour, American’s chief operating officer and an army veteran himself, expressed his honor in playing a part in helping these heroic veterans return to Normandy. He emphasized the importance of shining a light on their extraordinary stories and preserving their legacies for future generations. This special journey is not only a gesture of gratitude for these brave men but also serves as an opportunity to remember and honor their sacrifices made for freedom.