The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim, New Zealand, will host a special fundraising luncheon on August 8, inviting aviation enthusiasts to celebrate the remarkable story of the Spirit of Douglas while supporting the museum’s planned expansion. Titled “Lunch with a Legend: Building Omaka’s Future,” the event will take place inside the museum’s acclaimed Dangerous Skies exhibition. Guests will enjoy a welcome drink, a three-course lunch prepared by Feast Merchants, and an opportunity to hear firsthand from New Zealand businessman Mark Stewart, custodian of the internationally renowned Douglas DC-3 Spirit of Douglas.
Stewart will share the story of the aircraft and its ongoing World Cruiser Tour, accompanied by footage documenting its flights around the world. “We are delighted to bring this iconic piece of aviation history to New Zealand as part of her World Cruiser Tour, to share the incredible story of this famous aircraft with Kiwis and pay tribute to the aviation genius that was Donald Douglas,” Stewart said.
(Image credit: DC-3 Society)
Originally built in 1942 as a Douglas C-53 military transport, the aircraft served in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II, flying “The Hump,” the notoriously hazardous air supply route over the Himalayas between India and China. Following the war, the aircraft entered civilian service, flying in a variety of commercial and corporate roles. After an extensive restoration in the United States, it was renamed Spirit of Douglas in honor of Donald Douglas and the aircraft that helped revolutionize passenger aviation. Today, the aircraft is undertaking its ambitious World Cruiser Tour, retracing historic air routes across multiple continents and oceans while promoting the enduring legacy of the DC-3. The journey has not been without challenges. Shortly after arriving in New Zealand, the aircraft required a major engine replacement in Christchurch. Engineers from JEM Aviation, based at Omaka, played a key role in returning the historic transport to the skies.
One of the highlights of the luncheon will be the opportunity for attendees to step aboard the Spirit of Douglas, the only public access planned during the aircraft’s visit to Omaka. Guests will also be able to view historic memorabilia and browse the official Spirit of Douglas coffee table book, which chronicles the aircraft’s restoration and global journey. All proceeds from the event will support the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s expansion project, which will significantly increase exhibition space and enhance the museum’s ability to preserve and interpret aviation history. The luncheon will be held on Saturday, August 8, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim. Tickets are NZ$150 per person, with reservations closing on August 3. Founded in 2006, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has earned an international reputation for its immersive aviation exhibits and world-class collection of historic aircraft. For more information, visit www.omaka.org.nz.
