Concorde G-BOAC

• British Airways announced on Wednesday 29th October 2003 that a bid by Manchester Airport to permanently display 'Concorde: 204 G-BOAC', the flagship of the retired Concorde fleet, had been a success.

• G-BOAC arrives

• Live Arrival Audio

• Live Arrival Footage

• G-BOAC at the AVP

• G-BOAC tours

• Press Releases

G-BOAC ARRIVES AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT [back to top]

HOW MANCHESTER AIRPORT ACQUIRED G-BOAC [back to top]

Brief story by Peter Hampson dated 16/12/03 as to "How Manchester gained Concorde".

Started in April 2003 with the announcement by BA and Air France that Concorde would be retired from service.

• Letter sent to Mike Bannister 'begging' for a Concorde - over 600 applications.

• July 2003 - list reduced to 30 with Manchester Airport having to give a two-hour presentation to the BA board "Why Manchester should home a Concorde". Based around the good link with BA, good spectators, catchment area etc.

• Manchester Airport first to develop a Concorde policy and over 27 years of the airport and Concorde working together.

• August 2003 - meeting where Peter was asked if the airport was successful which one did we want - the flagship G-BOAC.

• October 2003 - contract signed to take delivery.

• October 31 2003 - the "world's most famous aircraft - G-BOAC" lands at Manchester Airport for the final time.

The following statement dated 11/11/03 is courtesy of The Aviation Society and Peter Hampson:

"TAS, The Aviation Society are proud to announce - What happens next to Manchester Airport's Concorde?

As I am sure everyone is aware Concorde G-BOAC arrived at Manchester on Friday 31st October 2003.

Since Concorde's arrival, myself and colleagues at the airport have received overwhelming support from enthusiasts and members of the public with respect to our latest acquisition - for which we are very grateful.

Perhaps understandably we have also received lots of requests for information about Concorde's future and indeed our proposals for the aircraft. In view of this I will do my utmost to give everyone a briefing with respect to the latest information ...

Since its arrival the "Alpha Charlie" has been undergoing "decommissioning" by British Airways Engineers. This has been and continues to be, a lengthy process of removing items (that are not normally seen by the public) which, if left in place could cause damage to the aircraft in the future. i.e. Batteries, fuel, oils etc. All seating, instrumentation, engines, carpets are to remain in place. Anyone visiting the aircraft in the future will not be aware that anything is missing.

As of November 2003 the aircraft is currently located on Stand 70 on the airports West Apron adjacent to the World Freight Terminal. It has been surrounded by security fencing and no persons are permitted on board the aircraft for security and safety reasons and of course because we want to keep the aircraft in absolute pristine condition.

Early in 2004 work will commence in The Viewing Park on several schemes - Building a new parking area for the RJX, a runway for Concorde (where the RJX is currently parked), a permanent location for the forward fuselage and flightdeck of the Monarch DC10 and our brand new Visitors, education centre, Tour Centre and indoor exhibition area for Concorde. We will also be taking the opportunity to enhance the viewing mounds and site security.

We anticipate that the first phase of this work which will enable Concorde to be re positioned into the Viewing Park will be complete by April 2004 and at the time of writing we would hope to have the indoor exhibition area complete by October 2004. The AVP April 2004

With respect to public access to Concorde - This will be restricted to organised prior permission Tours and a number of public open days which will be held throughout the year. It is our aim to keep Concorde in the same condition that she was delivered to us on 31st October 2003. Tours

To achieve this, as with all aircraft at the AVP, she will be maintained by a team of fully qualified aircraft engineers - lead by a former Senior Flight test Engineer.

How will all this work be funded? - It is hoped that we will see an increase in visitor numbers to the Viewing Park over the next 5 years. It is also anticipated that new revenue streams will be generated - for example there will be opportunities for corporate events and of course visits by schools, colleges and universities. We do not anticipate a hike in admission fees (which have not risen in recent years despite the major improvements which have already taken place!). In fact we will not be increasing the prices at all for the regular pass holders and offering free entry to young children!

Concorde is a wonderful unique aeroplane. Manchester has acquired the flagship of the flagship fleet which deserves to be admired and enjoyed - we will be putting the facilities in place for the people from the North West and indeed the rest of the world to do just that!"

Peter Hampson
G.M. Airfield

SUMMER 2004 AT THE AVIATION VIEWING PARK [back to top]

G-BOAC moved into a new home for summer 2004 inside the Aviation Viewing Park on 31st March 2004. More info