Latest news with #DC-3
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The McDonald's that's one of the world's most beautiful with pretty outdoor courtyard and volcano views
Plus, one of the most unique McDonald's where you can sit in a disused plane CHIP IN The McDonald's that's one of the world's most beautiful with pretty outdoor courtyard and volcano views GOLDEN arches and red seating, it's safe to say that most McDonald's generally have the same look - apart from this one. In Guatemala there's a restaurant of the fast food chain that looks nothing like you'd expect, and has been called the 'prettiest in the world'. 5 This McDonald's has standout views and even a fountain Credit: Tripadvisor 5 There are shaded areas in the courtyard too Credit: Tripadvisor Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here McDonald's Antigua, Guatemala has ditched the usual McDonald's design for a beautiful courtyard, and incredible views. The restaurant is in the central highlands of Guatemala - so if you look out you get views of the enormous Agua volcano. It has a large beautiful cobbled courtyard full of lush green trees, bright flower, and tables with sun umbrellas surrounding a huge fountain. Some videos on social media even show off live music outside. You don't forget it's a McDonald's, though, when you spot a huge Ronald McDonald statue on a bench. It has made an impression with visitors too, one wrote on Tripadvisor: "I guarantee you won't have seen a McDonald's like it." Another said: "The McDonald's here is amazing. Because of the city's historical preservation rules, you won't know that McDonald's is there unless you happen to walk by and look inside." A third commented: "You can eat some burgers or ice cream with a beautiful view of mountains." It even has a swing set integrated into its design which has appeared multiple times on Instagram and TikTok. McDonald's new menu taste test 5 The McDonald's is the same as any other when it comes to food Credit: Tripadvisor 5 Visitors remember it's a McDonald's when they spot the statue of Ronald Credit: Tripadvisor McDonald's knows what they're doing, as there's one very quirky restaurant in New Zealand that's inside a decommissioned DC-3 plane. On the aircraft-turned fast-food restaurant in Taupō, New Zealand, you have to climb the original plane stairs that lead into the restaurant. Inside there's not a lot of room, but 20 diners can sit across 10 tables. There's also the cockpit, which has been preserved behind a glass wall. The outside of the plane has been repainted, and the previous airline name has been replaced with the McDonald's logo of course. The tail end of the plane features the classic McDonald's golden arches and outside, there's a playground for kids as well. Here are more of McDonald's restaurants around the world that are both beautiful and unusual, from former banks to UNESCO sites. Plus, inside the world's most tranquil McDonald's with Japanese-themed tea garden and serene river.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
The McDonald's that's one of the world's most beautiful with pretty outdoor courtyard and volcano views
Plus, one of the most unique McDonald's where you can sit in a disused plane CHIP IN The McDonald's that's one of the world's most beautiful with pretty outdoor courtyard and volcano views Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GOLDEN arches and red seating, it's safe to say that most McDonald's generally have the same look - apart from this one. In Guatemala there's a restaurant of the fast food chain that looks nothing like you'd expect, and has been called the 'prettiest in the world'. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 This McDonald's has standout views and even a fountain Credit: Tripadvisor 5 There are shaded areas in the courtyard too Credit: Tripadvisor Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here McDonald's Antigua, Guatemala has ditched the usual McDonald's design for a beautiful courtyard, and incredible views. The restaurant is in the central highlands of Guatemala - so if you look out you get views of the enormous Agua volcano. It has a large beautiful cobbled courtyard full of lush green trees, bright flower, and tables with sun umbrellas surrounding a huge fountain. Some videos on social media even show off live music outside. You don't forget it's a McDonald's, though, when you spot a huge Ronald McDonald statue on a bench. It has made an impression with visitors too, one wrote on Tripadvisor: "I guarantee you won't have seen a McDonald's like it." Another said: "The McDonald's here is amazing. Because of the city's historical preservation rules, you won't know that McDonald's is there unless you happen to walk by and look inside." A third commented: "You can eat some burgers or ice cream with a beautiful view of mountains." It even has a swing set integrated into its design which has appeared multiple times on Instagram and TikTok. McDonald's new menu taste test 5 The McDonald's is the same as any other when it comes to food Credit: Tripadvisor 5 Visitors remember it's a McDonald's when they spot the statue of Ronald Credit: Tripadvisor McDonald's knows what they're doing, as there's one very quirky restaurant in New Zealand that's inside a decommissioned DC-3 plane. On the aircraft-turned fast-food restaurant in Taupō, New Zealand, you have to climb the original plane stairs that lead into the restaurant. Inside there's not a lot of room, but 20 diners can sit across 10 tables. There's also the cockpit, which has been preserved behind a glass wall. The outside of the plane has been repainted, and the previous airline name has been replaced with the McDonald's logo of course. The tail end of the plane features the classic McDonald's golden arches and outside, there's a playground for kids as well. Here are more of McDonald's restaurants around the world that are both beautiful and unusual, from former banks to UNESCO sites. Plus, inside the world's most tranquil McDonald's with Japanese-themed tea garden and serene river.
Irish Examiner
01-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
WWII-era DC-3 aircraft turns heads as Swiss aviation enthusiast visits Cork for summer holiday
It's a flying visit – in classic Swiss style. Swiss business magnate and historic aircraft enthusiast Hugo Mathys turned heads along the south coast this week after flying in for a private holiday in his fleet of gleaming Second World War era aircraft. After spending a few days relaxing in East Cork with close family and friends, Mr Mathys and his Classic Formation crew took off from Cork Airport in their DC-3 and two of their three Beechcraft aircraft on Thursday, before flying in formation over Cork Harbour, and then along the south-east coast towards Waterford, before returning to Cork that evening. A Beechcraft Model 18 at Cork Airport on Thursday. Picture: Larry Cummins The trip included a stunning formation pass over Ballycotton, where the group had been staying in the scenic Bayview Hotel. Hotelier Stephen Belton, the managing director of the Garryvoe and Bayview Hotels, was invited to join Mr Mathys as a guest passenger on board his DC-3. 'It was the trip of a lifetime,' Mr Belton said. 'Mr Mathys and his party have been staying with us for the week in the Bayview Hotel, exploring East Cork and eating in some of the region's great restaurants. The 1943-built Douglas DC-3 aircraft takes off at Cork Airport as a Beechcraft Model 18 waits beside the runway on Thursday. Picture: Larry Cummins 'They visited Cobh, Midleton, and Youghal, and then they asked if I'd like to join them on this day trip to Waterford, on their DC-3, and it was just fantastic. 'They flew in formation over Ballycotton Bay, over the island, and along the coast in front of the Garryvoe Hotel. 'The weather was amazing. It was a perfect day to showcase the beauty of the region. 'And to do it in a DC-3, with the original engines, it was just incredible and unique. 'You could feel the flying. It felt like such a strong aircraft, but so smooth and stylish. It really was the perfect day.' Mr Mathys is a major shareholder and president of Mathys AG Bettlach, a Swiss med-tech company founded in 1946 and led by the Mathys/Marzo family which has a net worth in the region of 1.5bn to 2bn Swiss francs. He owns and runs Classic Formation, a Swiss formation display team which flies the 1943-built Douglas DC-3 and three Beechcraft B-18s at airshows across Europe. A Beechcraft Model 18 owned by Hugo Mathys takes off at Cork Airport on Thursday. Picture: Larry Cummins An experienced pilot, he finances the operation of the vintage aircraft, which fly about 30 to 50 hours annually. He was at the controls of the DC-3 when it and the three Beechcraft landed at Cork Airport last weekend. With their prop engines roaring and airframes glinting in the summer sun, it felt like the golden age of civil aviation had returned. Aviation buffs flocked in their droves to the airfield perimeter to catch a glimpse of the aircraft that looked as if they had flown straight out of a 1940s newsreel. With its metallic/vintage Swissair colour scheme, the DC-3 attracted huge attention. The DC-3 is one of the most significant aircraft in aviation history. First flown in 1935, it became known as the first aircraft to make money 'by just hauling passengers'. It went on to revolutionise air travel in the 1940s. Rugged and reliable, its military version played a key role in the Second World War, transporting cargo and troops, and dropping thousands of paratroopers over France to support the D-Day invasion. The nose and cockpit of the 1943-built Douglas DC-3 aircraft, part of the Classic Formation team, owned by Hugo Mathys, at Cork Airport on Thursday. Picture: Larry Cummins More than 13,000, both civil and military versions, US and foreign-built, were produced. It's estimated that less than 170 are still flying. Swissair ordered five DC-3s before the Second World War and used one on its non-stop Zurich to London route, one of the longest routes at the time. It also adopted a special colour scheme, symbolising neutrality. Air traffic control tower staff watch the take-off of the Douglas DC-3 aircraft on Thursday. Picture: Larry Cummins Post-war, the market was flooded with cheap DC-3s, and they were snapped up by airlines around the world, becoming for many the most important airplane in their post-war fleets. When Cork Airport opened in 1961, they were a familiar sight on the apron as Aer Lingus and Cambrian Airways both used the 32-passenger capacity aircraft to operate services from Cork to London, Bristol, and Cardiff in the early years. But both airlines eventually phased the aircraft out, with Aer Lingus last using it in 1964. Visual checks on the Pratt & Whitney engines ahead of departure of the 1943-built Douglas DC-3 aircraft at Cork Airport on Thursday. Picture: Larry Cummins Mr Mathys's DC-3 was built in Long Beach, California in 1943, and delivered to the US Air Force that same year, operating as a wartime military transporter. It had a long and varied history until 2010, when it was re-sprayed in Swissair colours, and became the flagship of his Classic Formation historic flying team. The fleet is due to depart Cork Airport at around 9am on Sunday for a refuelling stop in France, before returning home to Switzerland.
Tourism Breaking News
18-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Gulf Air to add up to 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its widebody fleet
Post Views: 29 Boeing and Gulf Air have announced an agreement for the purchase of 12 787 Dreamliner jets with options for six more as the Bahrain-based airline looks to further develop its international network. Once finalized, this order will bring the carrier's firm order book to 14 of the versatile widebody jets and will support 30,000 jobs across the U.S. Bahrain Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi to witness the signing. 'This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air's strategic growth journey as we expand our global footprint and modernize our fleet with one of the industry's most advanced and efficient aircraft,' said Khalid Taqi, chairman of Gulf Air Group. 'The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for our long-haul operations, and this new order reflects our confidence in its performance, passenger appeal and contribution to our sustainability goals. We are proud to deepen our partnership with Boeing and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a key global aviation hub.' The 787 Dreamliner, recognized for its fuel efficiency, range and passenger experience, already serves as the backbone of Gulf Air's long-haul operations connecting over 50 destinations. With 10 787 airplanes in service, the airline is well-positioned to grow its network, serving new and existing markets across Asia, Europe and the U.S. 'We are excited to build on our more than 60-year partnership with Gulf Air as we deliver the market-leading 787 Dreamliner to help the airline serve more passengers and connect more destinations,' said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. 'This investment in the 787 Dreamliner demonstrates Gulf Air's commitment to new technology and sustainable development, reinforcing Bahrain's position in the aviation sector.' The 787 Dreamliner family has transformed global air travel by opening over 425 new nonstop routes and carrying more than 1 billion passengers worldwide since its commercial introduction in 2011. As Gulf Air's flagship airplane, the 787 features the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride. From its first DC-3 in 1961, Gulf Air has taken delivery of 37 Boeing airplanes, including the 787 jets currently in its fleet.
Time Out Dubai
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
19 throwback photos show what DXB Airport used to look like — and you won't believe it
We could be forgiven here at Time Out Dubai for thinking our city is the centre of the universe. But this wasn't always the case. There was a time when what is now DXB Airport was just an expanse of wasteland on the edge of the burgeoning city. Over the years Dubai International Airport has undergone a significant amount of change which has seen it grow from just one sandy runway in the desert into the world's busiest airport for international travellers. You may also like: How much Dubai has changed from the 1960s to today The visual history of DXB is striking and it's high time we had a look through the archives to see just how much the airport and the city around it have changed. History of DXB: The early years Old DXB: Crowds queue up outside Dubai International Airport in 1960 (Credit: DXB Airports) While Dubai International Airport started life in 1960, the city had served as a stop en route to Pakistan from the UK as far back as the 1930s. Huge flying boats from the old British Overseas Airways Corporation would stop at Dubai Creek on their way to Karachi. Stopping in Dubai would give these slow, long-haul flights an opportunity to refuel and restock before taking flight once more. And, initially, this was the purpose Dubai International Airport served. In the 1950s, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai at the time, ordered an airport to be built since there was no direct air service to Dubai. Curiously, Sharjah did have an airport at this time which was run by the British army. This meant that people who wished to travel to Dubai would first need to fly to Bahrain, take a short flight to Sharjah then drive to Dubai. Changed days indeed. The initial desert runway of Dubai (Credit: DXB Airports) By 1960, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum had his wish. Dubai finally had its own airport. It was built on a 4km expanse of wasteland in Al Garhoud and was only capable of handling aircraft the size of a DC-3 (which could hold between 21 and 34 passengers). But Rome, or rather Dubai International, wasn't built in a day. Originally, the plan was to build an airport in Jebel Ali but this was thought to be too far from the city. We'll get to that later though. Middle East Airlines was the first to land in Dubai (Credit: DXB Airports) The old sandy runway at DXB (Credit: DXB Airport) The initial runway was sand-compacted and 1,800 metres long with three turning areas and a small terminal capable of handling around 200 passengers per day. Arrivals would take a matter of minutes as a solo immigration officer processed passports. There would have been two shops at the terminal to check out before walking out to the car park in search of a taxi. A Middle East Airlines flight was the first to arrive in Dubai. When MEA and Kuwait Airways started landing with four-engined viscounts, the runway was said to blow away. By 1965, this sandy runway made way for an asphalt one along with a number of other newly built facilities. A Gulf Aviation Heron plane on the old desert runway in the 1960s (Credit: DXB Airports) A MEA aircraft on the asphalt runway in the 1970s (Credit: DXB Airports) The 1970s saw a whole host of changes which set Dubai International Airport on the path to what we know today. A new three-storey terminal building was built, a traffic control tower was introduced, there were more taxiways, the runway lengthened, aprons were extended, and the airfield added lighting. A lot happened to modernise the airport. The bigger terminal allowed for an airport lounge to be built which gave passengers a comfortable place to hang out before they flew. The lounge at Dubai International Airport in the 1970s (Credit: Dubai Airports) The 1970s saw a whole host of changes at the airport (Credit: DXB Airports) DXB in the 1970s (Credit: DXB Airport) An aerial shot of DXB in the late 1970s (Credit: DXB Airports) An Air traffic control tower was brought in during the 1970s (Credit: DXB Airports) An aerial view of DXB in the 1970s (Credit: DXB Airports) History of DXB Airport: Emirates arrives The 1980s was a transformational period for the airport, as Dubai Duty Free began operations at DXB in 1983, a second runway was installed and Emirates started operations for the first time. The launch of Emirates came about fairly quickly after the initial idea was proposed in 1984 by Sehikh Al Maktoum. The Dubai National Air Travel Agency launched the airline within five months of it being asked in March 1985. Emirates took flight for the first time in the 1985 (Credit: Dubai Airports) The plan for Emirates was simply that it had to 'look good, be good, and make money'. And it's fair to say it's achieved that goal. You may like: How Emirates went from just two planes to world's biggest airline Similar to the initial flights all the way back in the 30s which stopped in Dubai on the way to South Asia, Emirates first flights were to Karachi and Mumbai in October of 1985. And in 1988, more than 4.3 million passengers passed through Dubai International Airport. Departures at DXB in the 1980s (Credit: DXB Airports) History of DXB Airport: Terminal 2 opens As Dubai continued to expand and grow in the 1990s, so too did its airport with a second terminal opening by the end of the millennium. In 1998, Terminal 2 opened at Dubai International Airport which increased capacity by two million passengers per annum. Dubai International Airport in the 1990s (Credit: DXB Airports) Dubai International Airport in the 1990s (Credit: DXB Airports) History of DXB Airport: The modern era Once we reached the 2000s, things started really ramping up at the airport. In 2002, it was named the fastest growing airport in the world with good reason. A Dhs2 billion project to expand the airport saw the capacity more than double from 10 million passengers to 23 million as a new concourse was constructed. The capacity grew once more in 2008 when a third terminal was built which allowed room for 60 million passengers. A year later, 40 million passengers passed through DXB for the first time as work began on another concourse and terminal 2 got a makeover ahead of the launch of flydubai. And in 2014, DXB became the world's top airport for international passenger traffic as it welcomed 70.4 million people in one year. A title it has held onto ever since. Dubai Airports 2024 (Credit: DXB) Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (Credit: DXB) DXB: The future Earlier in 2024, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced plans for a massive Dhs128 billion expansion of the city's other airport Al Maktoum International Airport. Dubai's second airport is based in Jebel Ali (see, we did get back to it as promised), a part of the city that decision-makers want to develop, and has been in operation since 2010. A render of plans for Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Dubai Media Office) The plans for Al Maktoum International Airport will eventually see it have capacity for 260 million passengers once complete. Currently, it serves a small fraction of that number. But plans could take more than a decade to come to fruition. As for DXB? It is unclear what the future holds for the city's current biggest airport once Al Maktoum International is complete. Flying from Dubai soon? 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