Proving flights for passenger travel between North America and Europe were first undertaken in 1937. Pan American Airways and Imperial Airways were the operators of these flights between Botwood, Newfoundland and Foynes, Ireland. Pan Am's Sikorsky S42B 'Clipper III' and Imperial Airways Short S23 'Caledonia' both transited Foynes in July 1937.

6th July 1937 First Survey flight by Pan Am's Sikorsky 'Clipper III' under command of Capt. Harold Gray & six crew, N.S. de Lima, W. M. Masland, Walter Smith, H.J. Roberts, C.D. Wright, William Thaler arrives in Foynes. The flight was welcomed by Eamon de Valera, President of the Executive Council, and Sean Lemass, Minister for Industry and Commerce. The meal on board was celery and olive soup, salad, fish, strawberries and cream, iced tea and coffee. After departing Botwood with 2,350 gallons of fuel on board they still had 900 gallons left on arrival at Foynes. The journey was made from Botwood to Foynes in 12hrs. 31mins. The Clipper left Foynes on Thursday July 8th at 9am for Southampton, seen off by Col. Charles Lindbergh, who flew to Ireland on 7th July.

On 6th July 2007, a PBY Flying Boat the "Vintage Lady" under the expert command of Captain Patrick White and his son Ian as co-pilot will arrive in Foynes, re-enacting this first proving flight from Botwood to Foynes. The Flying Boat will remain on display at Foynes for some time.

There will be plenty more to do and see on the day in the Foynes Flying Boat Museum where you can view memorabilia of the flying boat era and step on board the world's only full size Boeing B314 flying boat replica.