On June 2, 1996, a week-long series of festivities began to celebrate the 50th anniversary of London Heathrow Airport. The festivities included a flypast of over 30 aircraft, including the Royal Air Force (RAF) fleet, de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, and a Boeing 777. The iconic Heathrow Airport was closed briefly on June 2, for the official celebrations to commence.