Oxford, Conn. – May 15th, 2019 – Signature Flight Support, the world's largest network of Fixed Base Operations (FBOs), announced that it will partner with the D-Day Squadron in its journey to return original C-47 and DC-3 aircraft to the skies they once flew in defense of freedom.
Over 130 US FBOs in Signature Flight Support’s North American network are preferred destinations for Squadron aircraft as they travel to Oxford, Connecticut (KOXC) and Goose Bay Airport (CYYR) to begin their historic mission. Signature’s comprehensive handling will continue as the Squadron stops at domestic and international locations as the aircraft travel to Europe for the 75th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy and return, with services continuing at other Squadron stops into the Fall of 2019.
After departure, the aircraft will cross the North Atlantic to arrive in Duxford Airfield in the U.K., where the D-Day Squadron will join with its European counterparts, Daks over Normandy, to participate in multiple events on June 2nd-5th, 2019. The combined fleet of historic aircraft will then cross the English Channel on June 5th, fly over Normandy, France, and participate in multiple events at Caen-Carpiquet Airport from June 5th-9th, 2019.
“Signature is honored to provide fueling and handling support for the fleet of aircraft of the D-Day Squadron,” noted Shawn Hall, Chief Commercial Officer for Signature Flight Support. “The Squadron’s mission to return C-47’s to the skies over Normandy commemorates the endearing sacrifices made by the armed forces during WWII, and we are proud to walk in the footsteps of Allied ground crews from 1944.”
“What’s driving this whole effort is the desire to honor those very people that made such an incredible sacrifice so many years ago,” declared Lyndse Costabile, Corporate and Donor Relations, for the D-Day Squadron. “But that desire needs to be backed by preparation, planning and the core basics such as fuel and ground support, which is why the services Signature is providing are so critical to the success of our mission.”
The Squadron reports that Signature Flight Support’s staff have left an impression on their flight crews. “As we crossed the U.S. in our DC-3, our first stop was St. Louis, where Signature provided great service, a top up on fuel, as well as transportation to and from our hotel,” explained Captain Joe Fisher of the DC-3 Flabob Express. “Our next stop was Syracuse NY, where we received the same expert line service, and Signature Flight Support was our sponsor at the 80th anniversary of AOPA, where we found the staff and hospitality to be outstanding. That’s why the crew and passengers of the Flabob Express would like to send our gratitude for the great support we received from Signature Fixed Base Operations.”
The start of the final push to Normandy is just days away. Follow the latest news and events from Oxford Connecticut from May 13th to May 19th 2019, as the D-Day Squadron starts the final drive to Normandy.
About the D-Day Squadron
The D-Day Squadron is the part of the Tunison Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. In June 2019, the D-Day Squadron will lead an American fleet of historic, restored C-47 World War II military aircraft in Daks Over Normandy, a flyover of more than 30 international aircraft to drop more than 200 paratroopers over the original 1944 drop zones in Normandy commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The event will honor the citizen soldiers of the War, whose bravery led the Allies to the liberation of France, and then to an end of the devastating War in Europe. The Squadron’s education program takes the compelling story of the citizen soldier to audiences at airshows and events off the flight line to honor these brave Americans and ensure their memory and significance is appreciated for generations to come. The group’s efforts are funded through the generous tax-deductible contribution of their supporters. Learn more at DDaySquadron.org.
About Signature Flight Support
Signature Flight Support, including Signature TECHNICAirTM and EPIC Fuels, provides premium, full service flight and home base support including refueling, ground handling and MRO services through the world’s largest fixed base operation (FBO) network for B&GA users with around 200 locations covering key destinations in North America, Europe, South America, Caribbean, Africa and Asia. EPIC Fuels is a provider of aviation fuels, supplies and services.
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