White House Marks 94th Anniversary of Amelia Earhart Solo Atlantic Flight

The White House on May 20, 2026, issued a statement marking the 94th anniversary of Amelia Earhart's first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The statement describes Earhart obtaining her pilot's license, setting altitude and speed records, and becoming the first woman to cross the Atlantic by air as a passenger in 1928.

It states that on May 20, 1932, she completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic, landing in Ireland after nearly 15 hours despite facing exhaustion, a leaking fuel tank, and an engine fire.

The statement says the administration is supporting development of supersonic flight and advanced aircraft. It also states that government records related to Earhart's disappearance were released by order. The message connects the anniversary to the nation's 250th year of independence and describes Earhart's flight as part of a broader pattern of American achievement in aviation.