01.07.09
PLANE HERITAGE EXPANDS AT GOODWOOD
Plane Heritage is delighted to announce that it has reached an agreement with Mike Collett of Air Atlantique which will see the transfer of two of the Classic Flight de Havilland DH.89A Dragon Rapides from their base at Coventry to Plane Heritage’s base at Goodwood.
As part of the agreement, the aircraft will be relocated to the brand new Hangar One facility at Goodwood Aerodrome, where they will join Plane Heritage’s own de Havilland Tiger Moth and other historic residents.
“We are extremely grateful to Mike for giving us the opportunity to offer these fantastic aircraft from our Goodwood base” explains Plane Heritage Operations Manager Tom Everitt. “Our aim is to continue the amazing work done by Mike to preserve British Aviation history in the UK whilst at the same time allowing the public the chance to experience what it was like to fly in aircraft which pioneered commercial aviation.”
Mike Collett adds "although initially the aircraft will continue to be operated on Air Atlantique’s AOC, I see this as a first step towards handing on the baton to a young, dynamic and enthusiastic team who have already gained a reputation for doing an excellent job of making classic aircraft easily accessible to the general public. Having spent some forty years in aviation, I can honestly say that it is a tremendous business to work in, in terms of enjoyment and enthusiasm, and I see Plane Heritage continuing the work which Classic Flight has developed in the world of classic aircraft operation."
Plane Heritage will offer the two Dragon Rapides for pleasure flights around the UK and the first event will take place at Goodwood on 18th & 19th July. The schedule beyond that will remain as published by The Classic Flight with events taking place at Rochester, Sywell, Kemble and Coventry. Members of The Classic Flight Club will continue to benefit from their discounted flights at all venues.
“It seems fitting that in the 75th anniversary year of the Dragon Rapide, we are able to start a new chapter in their history” says Tom. “We are very much looking forward to introducing a whole new generation to flying in these wonderful aircraft!”
Excellent to see a vintage aircraft operator actively ensuring that his fleet will hopefully be able to continue doing what they do best well into the future, and congratulations to you at the others at PH Tom in being the ones chosen to take it on.