29 July 2004

FLYING START EXPECTED FOR WEST’S SUPERSONIC

VISITOR ATTRACTION

The West’s latest and most exciting new visitor attraction is gearing up to deal with a rush for tickets when they become available next Monday (2 August).  Concorde at Filton will be open to visitors from Wednesday 18 August, and organisers expect the telephone hotline (0870 3000 578) and online booking facility (www.concordeatfilton.org.uk) to be inundated with enquiries from both aviation enthusiasts and members of the public keen to experience Concorde’s magic.

The new attraction showcases Concorde 216, the aircraft that made a spectacular final flight home to Filton last November.  Visitors will enjoy a tour of 216, where they can sit on the original seats and have photographs taken by the famous ‘Mach 2 sign’.  A specially created display in the purpose-built Visitor Centre tells the story of Concorde, and an exclusive Concorde at Filton film can also be viewed.  In addition, visitors will be treated to a guided tour through the Airbus factory, including the site where Concorde was built.

Concorde at Filton will open from Wednesday to Sunday every week with four guided tours daily.  Tours last one and a half hours and are restricted to 24 people to ensure that all visitors have the time and space to enjoy the Concorde experience.  Tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £10 for concessions (OAPs and students) and £7 for under-16s with prices already including a booking fee and UK postage.  The booking hotline will be open from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm at weekends and on Bank Holidays.  Of course eager visitors can book anytime at www.concordeatfilton.org.uk!


Concorde at Filton is a temporary home for Concorde 216, and local aviation preservation society, The Bristol Aero Collection, is managing the attraction through a team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers.  All proceeds will go towards creating a permanent home for Concorde and the rest of Filton’s aviation heritage in the West.

“The opening of Concorde at Filton is the fruition of many months’ hard work, so it will be an exciting moment when the first phone call or online booking form is received,” commented Oliver Dearden of the Bristol Aero Collection.   “We are confident that the fascination and affection the people of the West have for Concorde will ensure that we get off to a flying start when the booking facilities go live on Monday 2 August!”

ends

Notes to editor:

Supersonic facts

  • Concorde 216 completed its first flight from Filton - without any airline livery - on 20 April 1979 with registration G-BFKX
  • The aircraft was delivered to British Airways on 13 June 1980 and flew in service with the registration that it carries today, G-BOAF
  • During its flying career the aircraft flew 18,257 hours, made 5,639 supersonic flights and completed 6,045 landings
  • In May 1993, Concorde 216 was the first of the fleet to be fitted with a refurbished interior (including leather seats) and was the first to be repainted in the final livery sported by all the British Airways supersonic fleet
  • Concorde 216 was the last to remain flying and the last to fly supersonically – on its flight home to Filton in November 2003

Wheelchair and disabled access

The Visitor Centre is wheelchair and disabled accessible and from mid-October 2004, wheelchair users and visitors with mobility impairments will be able to have some access to the aircraft.  We would ask that you come along with a carer who can offer assistance throughout your visit.

 

Please note that the coach to take visitors to the Visitor Centre is accessed by some low steps, which may not be suitable for all wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments.  We would suggest that you contact us on 0870 3000 578 to discuss your particular requirements.

Children

For safety reasons, Concorde at Filton is not suitable for children under 5.  We would ask that children under 14 are accompanied by an adult.

A permanent home for Concorde

Concorde at Filton is a temporary home for Concorde.  Local organisations and companies are supporting the creation of a major aviation heritage centre where Concorde 216 can be under cover as the centre-piece of displays and exhibits that detail the story of the region’s long standing and varied role in the world of aerospace. 

Local aviation preservation charity, The Bristol Aero Collection, is managing and running Concorde at Filton through its team of over 100 enthusiastic and hard working volunteers.  All the proceeds from Concorde at Filton will go towards creating the aviation heritage centre to give Concorde the home it merits.

For further information please contact:

Kate Kerss/James Gore, JBP Public Relations, 0117 9073400