SPEEDBIRDS.COM NEWS
By Martin Slade
Concorde 216 G-BOAF returned "back to the womb" today in an emotional day for Bristolians and Concorde fans. In unpredictable weather, she graced the skies above her birthplace a few minutes earlier than planned at 12:40, flying over at 500 feet before circling the area and returning to land in front of 50,000 excited fans. She was escorted by the restored Spitfire that is based at Filton - who thrilled the crowds with some spectacular acrobatics.
The Duke of York flew in by helicopter for the occasion and presented the aircraft's trustees with her Tech Log as a memento. Captain Mike Bannister - Manager of the fleet - made an emotional speech, handing over to British Airways MD Rod Eddington for some words of his own, before the Prince completed the ceremony to warm applause.
Then 216 was led away by barge into the very hangar that she last left 25 years ago as the last Concorde ever to be completed.
This momentous day had began with myself - speedbirds.com Author and Editor Martin Slade participating in the popular John Turner phone-in programme on BBC Radio Bristol, JT interviewing me at length about my thoughts and feelings. Then it was a mad dash off to the Airbus Media Centre for hospitality and a short briefing, before being led away by open top bus to the Palm Beach area of site for some great photos.
Later we were returned back to the main site, where I was able to photograph and talk to crew members Mike Bannister, Les Brodie and proud Bristolian Warren Hazelby, as well as mingling with excited members of BA staff who had been lucky enough to be on that historic flight.
Finally, and with the last light of a hugely significant day fading fast, she was backed into the huge Brabazon hangar and the massive doors closed behind her. She will remain at her birthplace until her permanent home is created in the area as part of the Bristol Aero collection.