The Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation used EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 to launch the countdown to the 100th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight, unveiling plans for the Spirit of St. Louis 100 Centennial Charter Flight during a presentation at Boeing Plaza. The announcement introduced a six-day, all-business-class private jet journey that will retrace Lindbergh’s route from the United States to France in May 2027. The charter will begin in St. Louis before traveling to Washington, D.C., New York City, and across the Atlantic to Paris, where participants are expected to arrive at Le Bourget Airport on May 21, 2027, exactly 100 years after Lindbergh completed his historic solo flight.
The charter flight is part of the Lindbergh Foundation’s broader Spirit of St. Louis Centennial campaign and will serve as a fundraising initiative supporting the organization’s educational programs and future innovation challenges. During the AirVenture announcement, Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles and Anne Lindbergh and chairman of the Lindbergh Foundation, spoke alongside two aircraft representing the family’s aviation legacy: EAA’s full-scale replica of the Spirit of St. Louis and the New Spirit of St. Louis, the Lancair Columbia 300 he flew solo from New York to Paris in 2002 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of his grandfather’s achievement.
The journey begins with the Spirit of St. Louis Centennial Gala in St. Louis on May 15, 2027, before continuing to Washington, D.C., New York City, and Paris. Along the way, travelers will visit museums, archives, historic landmarks, and aviation institutions while gaining behind-the-scenes access to sites connected with Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight. “The centennial is about bringing the aviation community and the world together to celebrate one of history’s greatest achievements while inspiring and challenging the next generation of innovators and explorers,” said Erik Lindbergh. “Charles Lindbergh changed the world as a young man. This is an example of what young people can accomplish when they are challenged and supported. It is our job today to stoke that fire for the next generation of pioneers.”
The foundation also highlighted other centennial initiatives underway ahead of 2027. In 2025, organizers of the Paris Air Show have announced that the 2027 exhibition will recognize the centennial of Lindbergh’s arrival at Le Bourget with a “100 Years of Transatlantic Flight” theme. At AirVenture, Erik Lindbergh also joined Dr. Frances Levine during a WomenVenture presentation examining Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s contributions to aviation and literature. Looking ahead, the Lindbergh Foundation and the Experimental Aircraft Association are working together on plans for AirVenture Oshkosh 2027, which is expected to feature exhibits, presentations, educational programs, and youth activities commemorating the Spirit of St. Louis centennial before international celebrations conclude in Paris. “The centennial belongs to everyone who loves to fly and explore,” said Ann Balsamo, Executive Director of the Lindbergh Foundation. “We will honor the courage of 1927 while inspiring innovators, explorers, and aviators who will define the next century of flight.” For more information and to support the Lindbergh Foundation, click on this link: lindberghfoundation.org.
