A MAJOR milestone in the history of an iconic aircraft will be marked later this month.
Scotland’s Concorde arrived at the National Museum of Flight 20 years ago on April 19 following an epic 16-day journey across the UK.
The British Airways aircraft was welcomed by cheering crowds and an RAF Tornado flypast.
Since then, the supersonic superstar has been seen by more than 1.5 million people at the museum at East Fortune.
The National Museum of Flight is now open seven days a week and is encouraging the public to come along and see two of its most iconic aircrafts as they mark significant milestones.
As well as the anniversary of Concorde’s arrival, this year marks 60 years since the formation of the Red Arrows Display Team.
The National Museum of Flight’s 1980 Red Arrows Hawk T.1A, the only Hawk on display in Scotland, has its own special anniversary.
Principal Conservator, Stuart McDonald prepares a 1980 Red Arrows Hawk T.1A for the new visitor season at the National Museum of Flight, East Lothian. Image: Paul Dodds
This year marks 25 years since it flew in Red 1 position over Edinburgh in celebration of the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Steve McLean, general manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “The aircraft in our museum have some amazing stories to tell, including our Red Arrows Hawk which allows people to see this much-loved icon on the ground and to learn about its history as an advanced training aircraft and its involvement in some of the country’s most significant celebrations.
“Scotland’s Concorde is probably our most famous exhibit and 20 years on, is still enthralling visitors who can step on board to see how celebrities such as Sir Elton John and Victoria Beckham used to travel and can learn about the science behind the aircraft’s development.
“Combined with some fantastic family events and the chance to enjoy our full museum experience, we hope as many visitors as possible will visit this year for a great day out.”
The National Museum of Flight has also announced a programme of events and activities for the new season.
Family activities over the Easter holidays are supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Principal Conservator, Stuart McDonald prepares a 1980 Red Arrows Hawk T.1A for the new visitor season at the National Museum of Flight, East Lothian. Image: Paul Dodds
Flying into the Future is running until Friday (April 5) and includes technical challenges and Civil Aviation Hangar tours as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival programme.
Further events are planned for throughout the summer, including the return of the popular Awesome Bricks LEGO® event on June 15-16, where families will be able to celebrate Father’s Day weekend with hands-on building activities and challenges.
On August 31, a new all-day festival, 360 Fest, will feature cycle stunt team, The Clan, circus displays and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) activities.
The National Museum of Flight is located on one of the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfields and includes two historic wartime aircraft hangars which are packed with displays telling the stories of military and civil aviation over the past century.
Other aircraft on display include a 1963 Avro Vulcan bomber, the 1952 de Havilland Comet plus an example of the iconic Spitfire that played such an important role in the Second World War.
For more information, go to nms.ac.uk/flight
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