Rarely Seen Photos of the Concorde Landing Over Maho Beach in Saint Martin in the 1980s

In the annals of aviation history, few aircraft have managed to captivate the imagination and evoke wonder quite like the Concorde. This supersonic masterpiece of engineering, born from the collaboration between British and French manufacturers, not only shattered speed records but also fulfilled the dreams of travelers worldwide.

The Concorde’s story intertwines memorably with that of Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten. The arrival of the Concorde in Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten in the 1980s was an unforgettable event.

On February 6, 1981, the entire population gathered to witness the very first landing of the Concorde on the runway of Princess Juliana Airport. This supersonic aircraft, chartered by a daring real estate developer, sparked global excitement.

The Concorde’s flight had a clear purpose: to showcase the grand tourist complex of Baie Orientale to the world. The choice of the Concorde, a symbol of elegance and speed, aimed to draw attention to this ambitious project, and it was a resounding success. Onboard were 60 passengers, including renowned French celebrities like Alain Delon and Mireille Darc, specially invited to mark this historic occasion.

However, the Concorde’s story in Saint-Martin didn’t end there.

On December 16, 1989, the island had the honor of welcoming the supersonic plane once again, but this time with an even more exceptional visit. The President of the French Republic, François Mitterrand, was on board. This visit had political significance as it included a meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush.

The arrival of the Concorde with President Mitterrand aboard further bolstered Saint-Martin’s reputation as a prestigious and internationally significant destination. It also underscored the Concorde’s versatility as a means of transportation for high-profile individuals.

These events left an indelible mark on the history of Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten. They enhanced the island’s reputation as a top choice in the Caribbean and marked these moments as unique chapters in the history of Caribbean aviation and tourism, where the Concorde played a leading role.

(via The Friendly Books)