Making headlines
This page brings together press coverage from around the world, capturing the affection, curiosity and admiration the Spirit of Douglas continues to inspire wherever she lands.
Un avion historique qui a servi la CIA et Hollywood se pose à Genève
Un avion de légende a fait escale à Genève. Le Spirit of Douglas, un DC3construit il y a 83 ans, s’est posé mardi sur le tarmac de l’aéroport de Cointrin. L’appareil, repéré par « 20 Minutes», effectue actuellement un tour du monde, entamé l’an dernier par son propriétaire américain.
La compagnie privée Sparfell, basée à Genève et liée au constructeur d’origine, opère cette tournée planétaire. Elle a profité de cette escale pour offrir à ses collaborateurs un vol autour du Léman. L’avion a ensuite quitté Cointrin dans l’après-midi en direction de la France, avant de rejoindre l’Italie, dès mercredi.
Engagé lors de la Seconde Guerre mondialeLe Douglas DC3 tire son nom de Donald Douglas, l’entrepreneur américain qui a révolutionné le transport aérien dans l’entre-deux-guerres. Dans sa version militaire (C-47/DC-3), cet appareil a participé à de nombreuses batailles lors du second conflit mondial. Le Spirit of Douglas a notamment survolé l’Himalaya, empruntant la périlleuse route aérienne reliant la Chine à l’Inde. Il a servi dans les forces britanniques et américaines, en partie pour la CIA.Vendu à la fin de la guerre, l’avion a ensuite transporté des passagers à travers l’Asie avant de prendre sa retraite commerciale en 1982. Devenu pièce de collection, le Spirit of Douglas est également apparu dans le film «Richie Rich» (1994, avec Macaulay Culkin). Son propriétaire actuel l’a acquis en 2023. L’année suivante, le DC3 a participé aux célébrations du 80e anniversaire du débarquement en Normandie.
Published: 14/01/2026
A historic aircraft that served the CIA and Hollywood lands in Geneva
Here is the translation of the article.
A legendary aircraft has made a stopover in Geneva.
The Spirit of Douglas, a DC-3 built 83 years ago, landed Tuesday on the tarmac of Cointrin Airport. The aircraft spotted by 20 Minutes is currently on a world tour, which was initiated last year by its owner.
The private company Sparfell, based in Geneva and linked to the original manufacturer, is operating this global tour. The company took advantage of the stopover to offer its employees a flight around Lake Geneva. The plane then left Cointrin in the afternoon for France, before heading to Italy on Wednesday.
The Douglas DC-3 takes its name from Donald Douglas, the American entrepreneur who revolutionized air travel during the interwar period. In its military version (the C-47), this aircraft participated in numerous battles during the Second World War. The Spirit of Douglas notably flew over the Himalayas, navigating the perilous air route connecting China to India. It served with both British and American forces, including missions for the CIA. Sold at the end of the war, the plane transported passengers across Asia before retiring from commercial service in 1982.
Now a collector’s piece, the Spirit of Douglas also appeared in the 1994 film Richie Rich (starring Macaulay Culkin). Its current owner acquired it in 2023. The following year, the DC-3 took part in the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.It’s pretty impressive that an 83-year-old machine is still handling a world tour. Most of us are ready to retire after a long-haul flight, let alone eight decades of service! It certainly has a more interesting resume than most modern jets, ranging from CIA operations to a Macaulay Culkin movie.
Published: 14/01/2026
After winning people’s hearts, the Spirit of Douglas aircraft arrives in Gujarat
The American company Douglas Aircraft built this aircraft in the 1930s.At that time, two very powerful aircraft models were produced, known as the DC-2 and the DC-3.The DC-3 became one of the most famous aircraft in aviation history.Even though this aircraft is about 84 years old, it is still flying today.It has been used in many countries and has played an important role in the history of aviation.
As part of a world tour organized to celebrate the history of aviation, the famous DC-3 aircraft “Spirit of Douglas” has arrived in Gujarat.This aircraft is considered one of the most iconic planes in the history of aviation.It has been used both for civilian and military flights.Many people came to see it and welcome it upon its arrival.The aircraft attracted a great deal of attention and curiosity, as it is a historic airplane that is still airworthy and flying today.The organizers explained that this journey aims to highlight the importance of this aircraft in the history of world aviation.After its arrival in Gujarat, the aircraft was presented to the public and to aviation enthusiasts.
Translation from article in Dainik Bhaskar Newspaper.
Published: 14/02/2026
Spirit of Douglas heads to Warbirds over Wanaka
We are excited to announce The Spirit of Douglas has been confirmed to appear at next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow as part of its ambitious Global Tour. Described as one of the "most iconic and beautifully preserved DC-3s flying today," this DC-3 holds a unique place in aviation culture, appearing at Duxford and Normandy for the 75th and 80th Major D-Day commemorations. Originally built in 1942 at Douglas Aircraft Company for the US Air Force, it served in the China-Burma-India theatre before later transitioning into civilian roles.This modern recreation of a round-the-world journey is a chance to honour the endurance, elegance, and spirit of exploration embodied by the DC-3. The tour marks several significant milestones, including 100 years since the first circumnavigation of the globe by a Douglas World Cruiser in 1924 and 90 years since the first flight of the DC-3 in 1935. It is a flying celebration of aviation history and a living reminder of the extraordinary impact of Douglas aircraft on the world.
Published: 19/12/2025
