I am especially honoured to be invited to deliver the inaugural address of the newest branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society here in Ireland, with your exceptional contribution and involvement in both the pioneering and progress of commercial air transport. It is also a great pleasure to have my old friend Captain Jack Kelly-Rogers, one of the world’s truly great aviators and most appropriately your first Chairman, officiating tonight. As President of the Weybridge Branch of the Society I also bring you their greetings and best wishes.