aircraft tour london

Heritage Aviation Tour of England

Artefacts at IWM Duxford ©IWM Duxford

Aircraft at IWM Duxford ©IWM Duxford

Hangar at Newark Air Museum

Aircraft at Newark Air Museum

Aircraft at De Havilland Museum

Stonehenge ©English Heritage

Discover the history of UK aviation on this unique tour that combines 11 different heritage aircraft museums and collections with visits to some of southern England’s most popular tourist destinations. Visit the RAF Museum in London and the world-famous Shuttleworth Collection. Stop-off at IWM Duxford, Newark Aviation Museum and the Fleet Air Arm Museum at RNAS Yeovilton. Visit the De Havilland Aircraft Museum and head to Lincolnshire in the east of England to see two of the world’s three remaining Lancaster Bombers. In between there are opportunities to see Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, the picturesque Cotswolds and the university city of Cambridge. We end the tour with a day to explore London.

2023 dates available on request

Suggested itinerary

Welcome to england.

Arrive at LHR where you meet your tour manager. Start your Heritage Aviation tour with a visit to the FAST Museum in Farnborough and learn about aviation history. In the museum you will see photographs and exhibits from the early years and important pieces of aviation history, including Sir Frank Whittle’s earliest jet engines, a full size replica of the Cody Flyer, and research models of Concorde. Continue to Salisbury and check-in to your hotel. Rest and relax before your welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Salisbury.

The Solent Sky Aviation Museum and Salisbury Cathedral

Start your day with a tour of the Solent Sky Aviation Museum, formerly the Southampton Hall of Aviation Museum, which showcases the international importance of aviation history in Southampton and the Solent area. See over 20 airframes on display from the golden age of aviation, including the Spitfire and the record-breaking Supermarine S6; and enjoy the thrill of sitting in jet fighter cockpits! In the afternoon, travel back to Salisbury and explore its narrow alleys full of medieval houses and quaint inns. Finish your day with a guided tour of the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral.

Stonehenge and the Fleet Air Arm Museum

After breakfast, travel to Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. The afternoon is spent at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton. Learn the story of the men, women, aircraft and ships who have served with the Fleet Air Arm, the flying arm of the Royal Navy since the early twentieth century.

Cotswolds and the Wellington Aviation Museum

Go on a Cotswolds tour today and discover the spectacular beauty of this unique region. The combination of country roads leading through peaceful river valleys, country towns and villages of honey-coloured stone, complete with manor houses, churches and traditional pubs makes it a perfect destination. In the afternoon, visit the Wellington Aviation Museum, a small museum dedicated to all those who served or who passed through RAF Moreton-in-Marsh. Examine the vast range of artifacts from the war years and beyond including propellers and wheels, the tail section of one aircraft and numerous books and paintings signed by past personnel. Many of the items are donated to the museum from families of, or people stationed there.

Overnight in Coventry area.

The Newark Aviation Museum and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Travel to the Newark Aviation Museum, the UK’s largest independent aviation museum and home to a rich collection of airframes, from the beautiful Hawker Hunter F1 to the menacing Warsaw Pact Floggers. The mainstay of the collection is Cold War jets. The airframes are displayed in two large halls and various outdoor locations around the site. The placing of the external aircraft is carefully thought out and ideal for photography! Then on to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby to see the only airworthy Lancaster Bomber in the UK.  This aircraft is joined by a unique collection of Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft and of course the Visitor Centre.

Overnight at the legendary home of the 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron.

The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and Cambridge

Visit the largest Bomber Command museum in the country and relive a World War II bomber airfield at East Kirkby. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere and see the Lancaster Bomber named ‘Just Jane.’ This Lancaster cannot fly but there are opportunities to ride in it as it taxis across the airfield (must be booked in advance). See the original Control Tower and evocative Memorial Chapel containing the 848 names of personnel who gave their lives from this airfield. Then continue to the American Military Cemetery at Madingley near Cambridge which commemorates American servicemen and women who died in World War II. Enjoy a walking tour of Cambridge before spending the evening at your leisure.

Overnight in Cambridge.

IWM Duxford and the Shuttleworth Collection

Spend this morning at IWM Duxford, an original Battle of Britain airfield to see the fabulous Imperial War Museum’s aircraft collection and various historic aircraft being restored and flown. This really is Britain’s ‘museum of flight’ with an impressive USAF hanger and memorial and the Land Warfare Museum.

In the afternoon, visit the remarkable Shuttleworth Collection, home to almost 50 historic aircraft and vintage vehicles including the 1909 Bleriot XI; 1912 Blackburn Monoplane; the racing aircraft DH88 Comet; and the Supermarine Spitfire.

The De Havilland Aircraft Museum and RAF Museum London

After breakfast, travel to the De Havilland Aircraft Museum, the oldest aviation museum dedicated to the preservation of De Havilland Aircraft. The company that helped to shape the world of aviation with its aeronautical innovations including many iconic aircraft such as the De Havilland Mosquito, The Wooden Wonder ; the world’s first jet airliner, the Comet ; the ‘backbone’ of the RAF’s training aircraft in WWII, the Tiger Moth ; and the Airspeed Horsa Glider , used extensively by airborne troops in 1944 during D-Day, Arnhem and the Rhine crossing.

Afterwards, continue to the RAF Museum London with over 100 aircraft on site. See the stunning new exhibition, ‘First World War in the Air’; marvel at the life-sized model of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jet (the only place in the world where it is on display!); listen to Winston Churchill give his ‘Battle of Britain’ speech; and check out the ‘Bomb Bay’ television underneath the imposing and evocate Vulcan Bomber.

Overnight in London.

Discovering London on your own

Free day in London.

Private transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

This tour is available for groups.

For individual travellers we can also arrange this tour as a self drive option using a hire car collected and returned in London.

Although the tour is shown as a 10 day tour – we will be delighted to tailor make and adjust this to fit your preferred time scale.

Send an Enquiry

Company, Association or Group Name

Which county/country do you live in?*

Your Telephone*

Preferred Date of Travel

Number of Nights

Estimated Number of Passengers

Preferred Transport Please Select Coach Rail Air Any

Standard of Hotel

Number of Single Rooms

Twitter Handle

Facebook Group

Please give details of anything you feel may help with your enquiry

Receive future updates by email Yes

Javascript is disabled

• Food and drink
• Accessibility
• Group trips
• Objects and stories
• Formal education groups
• Other Groups
• Home Educators
• Before you book
• FAQs for groups
• Getting ready for your visit
• Learning resources
• Teachers CPD and events
• Researchers
• Dana Research Centre and Library
• Digital library
• Ordering library materials
• Research Events
• Science Museum Group Journal
• Press office
• Volunteering

Free entry Open daily, 10.00–18.00

Science Museum Exhibition Road London SW7 2DD

Book your free admission ticket now to visit the museum. Schools and groups can book free tickets here .

Flight gallery tour

Explore the breathtaking Flight gallery with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides.

From mankind’s earliest dreams of flight, through to the Wright brothers and early adventurers, to the jumbo jet and the wide-body aeroplanes of today—discover the history of flight on this free tour.

Hear about some fascinating stories and objects such as:

• Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930, and her Gipsy Moth, called Jason I.
• The incredible story of the Vickers Vimy, flown by Alcock and Brown from Canada to Ireland non-stop in 1919.
• The British De Havilland Comet, first commercial jetliner in 1952, precursor of our modern passenger planes.

Our volunteer guides are also delivering short 10 minutes Spotlight talks on their favourite objects and stories displayed on gallery.

Scheduled dates

{{ month }}.

• Times: {{ hour.start_time }}–{{ hour.end_time }} {{ hour.start_time }}–{{ hour.end_time }} {{ hour.start_time }}–{{ hour.end_time }} Status: {{hour.status_value}} Location: {{hour.location}}

Other things to see and do

Trace the history of flight through the unique aircraft on display in our awe-inspiring Flight gallery.

Zimingzhong 凝时聚珍 exhibition tour

Learn more about the beautifully ornate clockwork automata known as zimingzhong with one of our volunteer guides.

Making the Modern World gallery tour

Take a free tour of Making the Modern World and get acquainted with some of the most significant items from our collection—inventions that have shaped society.

The Clockmakers' Museum gallery tour

Join one of our knowledgeable volunteer tour guides to explore the world’s oldest collection of clocks and watches.

• Part of the Science Museum Group
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy and cookies
• Modern Slavery Statement
• Web accessibility

THE 10 BEST London Air Tours

Air tours in london.

• Sports Camps & Clinics
• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Covent Garden
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. London in the Sky

2. The Travel Experts Ltd

3. Ultimate Aerobatics

4. Maskontravel

5. Travel Diary Tourism

6. citizen seven.

7. Seven Senses Tours

8. airssist

9. Trips & Trade UK Limited

10. Fly With Zoki

11. Aditi Travels

12. Cheapest Umrah

13. Thakurjis Destinations

14. Trip By Map

15. Ace Parade

16. Muhammad Qasim

17. BEST Kilimanjaro CLIMBING | HIKING | BIKE TREK | Operator Serengeti Migration Safaris in Moshi or Arusha

18. Elstree Helicopters

19. <a onmouseover="alert(5)">xss</a>

20. Savana Travel Agency

21. Universal Transfer

22. MyChauffeurs

23. Mind Health AI

24. Lussoro

25. Public company name

26. London VIP Tours

27. Mariapina Pintus

28. Tours Worldwide

29. Chrismav

30. tandtempire.com

What travelers are saying.

• Maskontravel
• Travel Diary Tourism
• Seven Senses Tours
• Alharam Travel
• Thakurjis Destinations

• London Walks
• Museums and Galleries
• Day Tours From London
• Overnight Tours
• Stonehenge Tours
• Military Tours
• Rambling Tours
• Virtual Tours of Britain
• Paris Day Tours
• Day Tours from Paris
• Overnight Tours of France
• Normandy Tours
• Airport Transfers
• Rome Day Tours
• Day Tours from Rome
• Overnight Tours of Italy
• Special Interest Tours

WW2 Airbases Flying Tours

• Private car/minibus
• Private plane

This tour is available in most languages. Select your language on checkout.

Share with friends

About The Tour

Your personal London tour guide will pick you up at 9 am from your London hotel and take you to the Imperial War Museum Duxford .

At the start of the Second World War, Duxford was a Royal Air Force fighter base, its squadrons equipped with Spitfires and Hurricanes. The control tower and two of the hangars are original.

Take a nostalgic sightseeing flight in the Dragon Rapide, one of the best loved pre-war aircraft. Explore by air some of the numerous USAAF bomber bases in East Anglia on board a De Havilland Dragon Rapides. This is a really elegant twin-engined airliner from the 1930s. The pilot controls the aircraft from the tapering nose and you seat behind him. As well as the fascinating sites of historical importance, it is an amazing flying experience. The view from the plane is excellent.

The flight lasts about 40 minutes with 30 minutes airborne going from Duxford over the ex-WWII airbases of Nuthampstead, Fowlmere, Bassingbourne, Debden, Little Walden, Madingley and back at Duxford.

Madingley is also the location of the US war memorial and the aircraft would also fly over Cambridge itself.

After your flight visit the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. Today the fascinating collection concentrates on British and American military aircraft from both world wars. Alongside the fighters and bombers are a few civil aircraft. Even at weekends the hangars are hives of activity as aircraft are stripped down, reconstructed and restored in many cases to flying condition.

Contact us too about combining your visit to this historic WW2 airfield with a once-in-a-lifetime flight in the iconic Spitfire. Follow in the footsteps of Churchill's "the Few" - the heroes who took to the skies to defend Britain from the Luftwaffe. Experience the sights, sounds and thrill of this awesome aircraft up close.

You could extend this tour to include Cambridge or the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN.

Ww2 airfield tour, normandy, private plane from london, overnight normandy from london, with such limited time on the schedule, it was important that our guide be knowledgeable, energetic and engaging. john exceeded our expectations and provided two memorable days. if our travels bring us back to europe, we know that british tours will be our company of choice when selecting tour guide services.

Sylvette Chenette, NH, USA

Why choose us?

Because you insist on the longest-established and most experienced service available in Britain. Founded in 1958, British Tours is still under the same management. About Us

Who is your Guide?

Our guides are personable educated men and women, chosen for their knowledge, special interests, backgrounds and personality. They will collect you by car from any central London location and guide you inside places of historic importance

Follow us on our journey

Ian Allan Aviation Tours is the most experienced aviation tour operator in the world.

Your aviation tour experience starts right here, and you're in good hands., the tour operator for the aviation enthusiast....

We organise aviation tours led by aircraft enthusiasts for aircraft enthusiasts, from long weekend tours in Europe to extensive tours to countries around the world.

Our annual tour programme is researched and organised by a team led by Graham Dinsdale, a professional aviation tour organiser with over 40 years experience.

All tours are escorted by the most experienced Aviation Tour Managers in the world for your complete peace of mind.

Professional. Dependable. Trustworthy... For over over 40 years.

Featured Tours

Latest additions, not on our mailing list join here.

Thank you! You have been added to our mailing list!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form

Ian Allan Aviation Tours is a trading name of The Centre of Aviation Photography Ltd (TM). Registered in England & Wales. Company Number: 9684274

• Battlefield Tours from London >

WWII Airfield Tour from London

Our WWII airfield tour from London is a private tour that visits some of the most important airfields used in the Second World War. During the day, you will visit Thorpe Abbotts Airfield & Museum, Tibenham Airfield and the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum. Your guide is a specialist in military history with unique knowledge of Tibenham Airfield. The tour can also be customized if there are any specific airfields you wish to visit in the Norfolk area.

itinerary – WWII Airfield Tour

You’ll begin the day by taking a train from London Liverpool Street Station to Diss Station in Norfolk.  The journey takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.

Your guide will pick you up at Diss train station and escort you to Thorpe Abbotts Airfield – home of the “Bloody Hundredth” bomber group in WW2. This was the B17 base and has the most intact control tower as well as an excellent museum.

Our next stop is Tibenham for a look around the airfield and the local area. Tibenham was a B24 base which became home to the USAAF 445th bomber group in WW2. It is now home to the Norfolk gliding club. It was from this base that the mission that caused the heaviest loss for any group in WW2 departed. Your guide has written a definitive book on it and will take you through a blow-by-blow account.

Lunch will either be on the airfield at the NGC Club House (depending on the day) or at a local pub.

After lunch you will be driven to The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum at Flixton, home of an interesting collection of aircraft and artefacts. Or as an alternative, if there’s a particular interest in the 8th Airforce wartime airfield in East Anglia, a private visit by prior arrangement could be possible, depending on its current use, distance and time availability.

At the end of the day, we will return you to Diss train station for your journey back to London.

Tour includes:

• Personal tour guide throughout the day
• Private transport
• Pick up and drop off at Diss train station
• All entrance fees (if applicable)

Tour Excludes:

• Return train tickets
• Snacks or drinks
• Personal travel insurance

Further information

For further information and pricing, please contact us via the form below.

terms and conditions

You might also be interested.

D-Day Preparations & Band of Brothers Tour from London - 3 Days

WW1 Battlefield Tours from London

Normandy Battlefield Tours from London

Bletchley Park Private Tours from London

London Air Travel

London's airlines, airports and routes.

HM Queen Elizabeth II: A Life In Flight

A look at the aircraft and airlines Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II flew with during her 70 year reign.

London Air Travel » Special Feature » HM Queen Elizabeth II: A Life In Flight

Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II has died.

During her 70 year reign, The Queen had visited more than 100 countries, with 22 visits to Canada alone. The Queen had also visited members of The Commonwealth 150 times.

Here is a look at the aircraft and airlines The Queen had flown with.

Quick Links

Princess Elizabeth’s First International Visits

The Queen’s first official overseas visit as Princess Elizabeth was in 1947, when she toured Southern Africa.

The Queen celebrated her 21st birthday in South Africa, which was marked by a speech broadcast across the Commonwealth.

On 8 October 1951, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke Of Edinburgh were the first members of the Royal Family to cross the Atlantic ocean by air.

They flew on a British Overseas Airways Corporation (“BOAC”) Stratocruiser aircraft “Canopus” G-AKGK from London airport to Montreal. This was also the first royal tour to start at the airport.

Princess Elizabeth Becomes Queen   Elizabeth II

On 31 January 1952, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, bid farewell to King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret at London airport.

They departed on a BOAC Argonaut “Atalanta” G-ALHK aircraft with Prince Philip for a world tour of Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The aircraft routed via RAF El Adem (Libya) for refuelling and a change of crew. This trip was cut short following the unexpected death of King George VI.

Princess Elizabeth returned a week later from Entebbe via El Adem on the same BOAC aircraft as Queen Elizabeth II.

In February of 1952, Princess Elizabeth as we then knew her with the Duke of Edinburgh set out on a tour that was to have taken them to the other side of the globe. King George IV was not fit enough to make the arduous journey across the world to Australia and in his place went his daughter. From London Airport to East Africa, this was the first stage of the 30,000 mile tour. A tour that so soon was to be halted. BOAC Chairman Sir Miles Thomas and others were present with the Duchess of Gloucester and Earl Mountbatten on that historic day. King George, his Queen and Princess Margaret their farewells said left the aircraft at Atlanta shortly before the takeoff. The King walked hatless across the tarmac. It was his first public appearance since his operation. We could not know that it would be his last. The Princess waved the last farewell to her parents before she entered the specially converted BOAC Argonaut that was to speed her and the Duke to the Commonwealth beyond the seas. From a balcony the King watched the mighty aircraft soar into the air and set course for Nairobi. With the royal couple went the good wishes of all Britain and the Commonwealth. Meanwhile in Nairobi, preparations were going ahead to give a warm reception to the royal visitors. Welcoming banners hung everywhere. And thousands of Africans gathered at the airport to greet their young princess. Right on schedule the Atalanta taxied in at the end of her 19 hour journey. The Princess followed by the Duke in naval uniform step from the chill of London into the warm sun of East Africa, and another world. Then through streets crowded with cheering African children, the Royal pair drove away from the airport. At royal lodge they were to spend a short holiday. Then came the sudden tragic news. The King was dead. London stunned into silence lowered her flags in tribute to the dead King. In far off Kenya, his daughter learned that she was now the Queen. At London Airport, the great of our land gathered to welcome her home and to vow allegiance to her as they had done so loyally to her father. Once more Atalanta returned to London. Her chapter of history was flown. Upon her wings Atalanta had bourne a Princess across the seas, and had brought her safely and swiftly home as Queen. Before her aircraft Her Majesty received the homage of her counsellors, the Prime Minister and leaders of the other party’s gave sombre welcome to the young girl upon whom destiny had placed the burden of sovereignty. Behind her stood the Duke of Gloucester, her uncle. Even in her sorrow The Queen remembered those who had brought her safely home to her capital. The Duke of Edinburgh too expressed his thanks to the crew in whose skilled hands Atlanta had spanned 4000 miles of land and sea on that memorable journey. Thus ended a chapter in Britain’s history. Now, another chapter began. Her Majesty made her way into the royal car to complete her journey to London. King George was dead, but there to take his place was his daughter, Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain and the Empire. Long may she reign.

British Airways has the original telegram received on the flight home from the Queen Mother to her daughter. This read: 

To: Her Majesty The Queen  All my thoughts and prayers are with you.  Mummie  Buckingham Palace 

The message was received over the radio, written directly into the Captain’s log book and then copied out by hand onto a BOAC signal form, before being presented to Her Majesty. 

State Visits and Royal Tours

The Queen has flown on a vast range of aircraft and airlines on state visits and tours.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh departed London airport, again on a BOAC Stratocruiser aircraft “Canopus”, on 23 November 1953 for the first leg of their Commonwealth Tour following The Queen’s Coronation.

The Queen is pictured below arriving the next day in Bermuda.

Other tours on UK airlines & aircraft include the US in 1957 (on a BOAC DC-7C aircraft), Bermuda and Jamaica 1963 (on a BOAC Stratocruiser), New Zealand in 1974, Japan in 1975, the Commonwealth Silver Jubilee tour 1977, the Middle East in 1979, a state visit to China in 1986 (Lockheed L-1011 Tristar) and The Queen’s 16th and final visit Australia in 2011 (Boeing 777-200).

Crews who flew with The Queen were bound by strict confidentiality agreements, but it is known that aircraft were reconfigured for The Queen’s use.

The Queen has also flown on government & military aircraft and commercial airlines from around the world. These include Air Canada, Air New Zealand and Qantas Airways.

The Queen On Concorde

The Queen flew on Concorde for the first time from Barbados to Heathrow following the Silver Jubilee tour on 2 November 1977, as pictured below.

The flight time was 3 hours and 42 minutes. The Queen also used Concorde for many legs of a tour of the Middle East in February 1979.

Concorde also completed a fly past over Buckingham Palace for The Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002.

London Airport Openings

The Queen also officially opened a number of London airport terminals.

At London Heathrow, The Queen opened its Central Terminal Area in 1955, Terminal 1 in 1969, Terminal 5 in 2008 and Terminal 2 in 2014.

The Queen also officially opened Gatwick Airport in 1958 and the North Terminal in 1988.

When opening Terminal 5 in 2008, the Queen also met with the crew flight BA38 from Beijing (not pictured) that landed short of the runway at London Heathrow.

The Queen also visited BA’s Waterside Headquarters in May 2019 as part of the airline’s centenary celebrations.

Copyright London Air Travel 2022.

Share this story:

• Share on Tumblr

4 thoughts on “HM Queen Elizabeth II: A Life In Flight”

• Pingback: Free WiFi On United And The Hotel Porta Potty Peeper Strikes Again [Roundup] - View from the Wing

When she arrived home from Kenya as the new Queen, which airport did she land at? Is Heathrow now London Airport? Or was it a different airport at the time?

Yes Heathrow was formerly called London Airport. It was renamed Heathrow in 1966.

Furthermore, London City Airport in Newham Borough was officially opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 5th November 1987. Some contemporary photographs may be viewed here: https://media.londoncityairport.com/unseen-retro-photos-of-london-city-airport-released-to-mark-the-start-of-the-30th-anniversary-year-for-the-only-airport-actually-in-london/

We welcome any thoughts and comments below: Cancel reply

Discover more from london air travel.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Aviation Museums in Britain
• UK City Guides
• Museums in Britain

UK Museums: Aviation Museums

Avro heritage museum, royal air force museum cosford, royal air force museum london, iwm duxford, yorkshire air museum, gatwick aviation museum, fleet air arm museum, national museum of flight, aviation museums in the uk.

The United Kingdom as a whole has over 40 museums dedicated to aviation and flight.

There are aviation museums both large and small in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Some focus on military aircraft from particular periods such as the Battle of Britain and the Cold War, others are concerned only with civil aviation or helicopters.

See a listing of aviation museums in Britain.

The  Avro Heritage Museum is a fun aviation museum for children and adults alike. The site of the museum is the former Woodford Aerodrome, which opened after World War I.

The centerpiece of the museum is is a full scale replica of a Lancaster R5868 "S" Sugar. Visitors can actually enter the aircraft and experience what flying the plane must have been like.

Aircraft on display include the Avro Type F, the nose section and cockpit of an Anson G-AGPG, the nose section and cockpit of a Canberra WK118, the cockpit of a Vickers VC10, a replica of the Roe 1 Triplane and the Vulcan B.MK2 outside the museum. Inside the museum is the cockpit of another Vulcan B.MK2.

Original photographs, wall panels, model aircraft, uniforms and original aeronautical equipment help to explain the history of the company and the men and women who made and flew the aircraft.

The museum is within easy reach of both Stockport and Manchester .

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is one of two Royal Air Force museums in the UK. The other is at Royal Air Force Museum London at Colindale (near Hendon).

The museum's large collection includes both passenger aircraft, fighter planes, bombers from the UK and overseas as well as missiles and engines.

Among the many British planes on display are an Avro Vulcan, de Havilland Mosquito TT.35, Gloster Gladiator I, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire I. From overseas aircraft include one of only two intact Junkers Ju 88R-1, a Messerschmitt Me 109G-2/Trop, a Japanese Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka and a Mikoyan MiG-21PF from the Soviet Union.

Located in Shropshire, Cosford is within easy reach of both Birmingham and Coventry as well as nearby Bridgnorth and Ironbridge.

The museum's collection is based at the former Hendon Aerodrome outside London . Hendon was one of the first civilian airfields in the UK, later becoming an RAF station during the two world wars.

There are six hangars holding aircraft each with a different theme. They are Hangar 1, RAF Stories and First to the Future; Hangar 2, the Grahame-White Factory; Hangars 3 and 4, The Historic Hangars (focussing on World War II and the Cold War); Hangars 3 and 4, The Historic Hangars and Hangar 6, RAF in an Age of Uncertainty (planes from 1980 to the present).

Also on display are thousands of books, documents, and photographs.

IWM Duxford is part of the Imperial War Museum (IWM) and is Europe's largest air museum.

It is located at the former RAF Duxford near Cambridge . The vast collection includes around 200 aircraft as well as military vehicles including tanks, missiles, small naval vessels as well as books, documents, film, photographs, and uniforms.

The museum is arranged round various themes and stories - the latter relate the history of the men and women involved in the armed services. It also includes several British Army regimental museums, including the Royal Anglian Regiment and the Parachute Regiment (Airborne Assault), transferred from Aldershot.

Some of the hangars at Duxford date back to the Battle of Britain and are of historic importance. On site are five hangars containing exhibits in addition to the American Air Museum, designed by Norman Foster and the Land Warfare Hall.

The Imperial War Museum is made up of five museums. These are the IWM London, the Churchill War Rooms in Whitehall, IWM Duxford, HMS Belfast on the River Thames and IWM North in Manchester.

Duxford is also the venue for air shows throughout the year with performances by the Red Arrows and other airplanes both vintage and modern.

The Yorkshire Air Museum is based at the former RAF Elvington not far from York . The original buildings and hangars house exhibits related to the history of aviation in the UK. There is a recreation of a NAAFI canteen, a World War II operations room, and a French Officers' Mess.

Other buildings display bombs, medals, model aircraft, small arms, uniforms and heavy weapons such as machine guns and surface to air missiles.

There are also around 50 aircraft on display. These include an original Nimrod, DC3 Dakota, Buccaneer and Sea Devon.

There are several replicas also on display: a Spitfire, a Messerschmitt Bf-109G6 and Wright Flyer - the first successful heavier-than-air plane.

The museum's grounds has many military vehicles including tanks, armoured cars and even fire engines.

Elvington, York YO41 4AU

Gatwick Aviation Museum close to Gatwick Airport in Charlwood, Surrey, south of London has a collection of aircraft on display both in hangars and in the open. In addition visitors can also see hundreds of model aircraft, over 20 aircraft engines and the nose sections of various planes.

Among the dozen or so airplanes at the museum are an Avro Shackleton Mk.3 PH3, Gloster Meteor T7, English Electric Lightning F53 and de Havilland Venom FB50. The museum also features the history of nearby Gatwick Airport, the second largest international airport in Britain after Heathrow Airport.

The 21 or 22 bus from Crawley bus station stops near the museum. The nearest train station is Gatwick Airport with connections to London Victoria Station.

The Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, Somerset is dedicated to the history and aircraft of British naval aviation.

Among the diverse collection on show are both civilian and military aircraft, models of aircraft and Royal Navy veseels (in particular aircraft carriers) and aero engines.

The four main halls have aircraft ranging from wooden biplanes such as the Sopwith Baby used in World War I to the Sea Harrier, which went into service in the 1980s.

Bristol, Taunton and Yeovil are the main points of access to the museum. If coming by car exit the M5 motorway at junction 25 at Taunton. Both Lytes Cary Manor and the Haynes International Motor Museum are just a short drive away.

The National Museum of Flight is Scotland's national aviation museum. Located at East Fortune Airfield, a former RAF station, the museum has over 40 aircraft on display. Pride of place is the Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde G-BOAA along with an Avro Vulcan, English Electric Lightning, SEPECAT Jaguar and Supermarine Spitfire. Foreign aircraft on show include a Messerschmitt Me 163 (Germany), the forward fuselage of a Boeing 707 (USA) and Druine Turbulent (France). Visitors can also see aero engines, parts, photographs, medals, models, uniforms and weapons.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Drem is the nearest station on the line from Edinburgh Waverley Station to North Berwick. the 121 bus runs to the museum from both Drem and North Berwick.

Other Aviation Museums

Smaller aviation museums in the UK include the  Wellington Aviation Museum  located in an old Victorian school building in Moreton-in-Marsh  in the  Cotswolds . It has a private collection of RAF memorabilia and aviation art. It is open every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

The  Armstrong and Aviation Artefacts Museum  in Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland displays many of William Armstrong's inventions. Armstrong (1810-1900) was a prolific inventor and engineer who developed and manufactured hydraulic cranes, breech-loading artillery and even later warships.

The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare has over 80 helicopters on display. Visitors can enter the cockpits and take a helicopter ride.

Five miles west of Cheltenham , the Jet Age Museum is an aviation museum run by the Gloucestershire Aviation Collection. Located next to Gloucestershire Airport, the museum has a collection of aircraft, aero engines, cockpits, photographs and other items. In particular, aircraft produced by the Gloster Aircraft Company feature heavily with the Gloster Meteor F.8, Gloster Javelin FAW.9 and Gloster Gladiator II on show or under restoration.

Bath Museums

Cardiff Museums

Chester Museums

Dundee Museums

Glasgow Museums

Liverpool Museums

London Museums

Manchester Museums

Midlands Museums

St Andrews Museums

Stockport Museums

York Museums

Hotels in the UK

England Hotels - Booking.com

London Hotels - Booking.com

Scotland Hotels - Booking.com

Wales Hotels - Booking.com

Northern Ireland Hotels - Booking.com

Hotels in Britain - Agoda.com

London Attractions Tickets - Tiqets.com

Visit our partner sites:

• Britain All Over - guide to Britain
• Iran Visitor - guide to Iran
• Portugal Visitor - guide to Portugal
• Beijing Visitor - guide to China

Britain Tourist Info. Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use | RSS

Web Design by Web Choice UK

This Is the Plane That Will Take JetBlue to London

JetBlue is officially flying to London, starting in 2021 — and doing it on a brand new plane.

But before JetBlue makes its debut flight across the Atlantic, it will have to take delivery of the airplane that will make all that possible, one that's been designed specifically for flights from the US East Coast to Western Europe. Enter the Airbus A321LR .

The A321LR, LR short for "long range," is the longest-range single-aisle commercial jet in the world. It's more than that, though. It's also poised to take on a significant chunk of an ever-growing market: longer routes on narrow-body jets, so far the near-exclusive province of the Boeing 757, which went out of production more than 15 years ago.

Officially, it's called the Airbus A321neo LR, since it's an A321 with new, less thirsty engines — neo for "new engine option" — that increase the plane's range. But for brevity, everyone calls it the A321LR.

JetBlue has 85 A321neos of the standard-range version on order, with the option to turn some of those orders into LR models. Later this year, TAP Portugal will be the first to introduce them in service across the ocean, followed by Ireland's Aer Lingus. (Notice a pattern? The plane is perfect for shorter transoceanic legs, such as those from Portugal and Ireland.)

Inside the Plane

We already have an idea of what to expect onboard JetBlue's A321LR by extrapolating from the current fleet.

JetBlue has been operating base-model A321s for years, mostly on its flagship coast-to-coast flights out of New York JFK and Boston (BOS), as well as select flights to Florida and the Caribbean. These jets offer JetBlue's highly regarded Mint business class, featuring lie-flat seats and the only individual closed-door suites in the US domestic market.

JetBlue's Mint is our favorite domestic product flying today, and we have little doubt it would translate well to an overseas flight.

Nonetheless, JetBlue told us that they are planning on launching an entirely new "reimagined" product for the Pond-hopping A321LR subfleet — something that, in the words of CEO Robin Hayes, will feel like a "private airplane, but for a fraction of the price." With the undeniable success of the Thompson Aero seat currently used in the Mint cabin, the airline may feature the designer's newest seat, the Vantage Solo, featuring direct aisle access and a sliding door at each seat. Another hint: these new — unreleased — Thompson seats have been designed specifically for narrowbody jets.

As for economy, JetBlue is in the process of completing a major retrofit to its entire fleet of smaller Airbus A320s, and we've been quite impressed with what they look and feel like .

We expect A321LRs to offer something that either matches this revamped economy cabin or their existing A321 main cabin, including JetBlue's seatback entertainment screens and mood-lit cabins. Hopefully we'll see even more preloaded content considering JetBlue's trademark DirecTV streams do have trouble over large bodies of water (ahem — the Atlantic Ocean). Either way, it should shape up to be a very competitive product to London for what we anticipate, based on US cross-country fares, to be a reasonable price tag.

So, Why the New Plane?

The A321LR is the product of a larger trend in medium and long-haul commercial aviation. Here's why that matters:

Just as airlines have chosen Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s over larger 747s and A380s , they too are looking to fly single-aisle jets much farther than they were originally designed for. As a result, Airbus and Boeing alike have been working hard to increase the range of their popular narrow-body planes to make overseas flights not only doable, but actually profitable.

With planes like the A321LR and the 737 MAX, its currently-grounded rival, airlines are able to connect lower-traffic city pairs like Pittsburgh and Reykjavik, Providence and Edinburgh, and others with nonstop flights.

These airplanes are also instrumental in disrupting the existing transatlantic market where mega-airlines like United, American and British Airways have dominated. In other words, these planes make it possible to operate routes that didn't see nonstop service before, as airlines have been significantly constrained by having to use wide-body planes that are more expensive and require more expensive infrastructure. With cheaper operating costs and the ability to offer service on "thinner" (read: less trafficked) routes, some carriers can offer unprecedentedly low fares. Hence, the age of the long-range narrow-body is coming.

And for JetBlue in particular, the A321LR means the airline can actually fly overseas without having to invest in expensive crew re-training, gate modifications and more that comes with widebody fleet expansion if they were to start flying the A321's larger cousin, the A330, for example.

While the A321LR will unlock narrow-body overseas routes for Airbus, several airlines have even flying to Europe from North America on single-aisle jets for a few years. Carriers like Air Canada and Norwegian have been using Boeing's own long-rang narrow-body, the 737 MAX, for shorter hops across the Atlantic. Even with a bit less range and passenger capacity than the Airbus product, the Boeing can cross the pond easily.

The now-troubled MAX has been designed to basically fly the same routes that this extended-range Airbus will, with a range of between 3,500 and 4,000 nautical miles.

What to put inside the plane is up to the airline. And while many airlines operating these new jets on long flights market them as ultra-cheap, no-frills shuttles, some are going the other way: Panama-based COPA is putting lie-flat beds in biz class on its 737s. So is FlyDubai , while TAP and Aer Lingus will do the same on their A321LRs. It's a safe bet that JetBlue will pack in some high-end amenities into its own LRs, at least at the front of the plane.

Bottom Line

With JetBlue's TPG Award-winning Mint product and strong Main Cabin experience, we're betting JetBlue will have a winner on its hands, although it will face a really competitive market . The A321LR was tailor-made for airlines like JetBlue, and the new flights to London will show off the airplane's impressive chops.

RELATED VIDEO:

• Wednesday, April 03, 2024

© 2023 - Businessday NG. All Rights Reserved.

• Adopt an Artefact
• Online Shop

Our Easter activities are now running until 14 April

Edgware Branch of the Northern Line closed until 12 April

GET READY FOR TAKE OFF!

Discover the Aircraft we have on display.

Book your Free Tickets Now

Westland Lysander

Sepecat Jaguar

Westland Sea King

Supermarine Spitfire

Avro Anson 1

Hawker Typhoon 1B

Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3

On display at london.

Serial No: R9125/8377M Period: WWII Museum: London Location: Hangar 5 On Display: Yes

The Lysander was originally designed for Army Co-operation duties including artillery spotting and reconnaissance. However, its lasting fame is not in this role, but as a Special Duties aircraft ferrying Allied agents in and out of enemy occupied Europe. Despite some notable successes, the Army Co-operation units suffered extremely high casualties – over 170 Lysanders were sent to France in 1939 and only 50 came back. Following their withdrawal from France, Lysanders patrolled the coastal areas of south and east England as an anti-invasion reconnaissance measure and later, began air-sea rescue duties in the Channel and North Sea.

• BOOK tickets

on display at london

Sepecat jaguar gr.1.

Serial No: XX824 Period: Post-WWII Museum: London Location: Hangar 6 On Display: Yes

A joint Anglo-French programme serving with the French and Indian air forces as well as the RAF the Jaguar tactical support and ground-attack aircraft equipped eight first-line squadrons from 1974 and was a major element in RAF Germany’s Cold-War era air capability until supplanted by the Tornado in 1985.

Of 400 Jaguars built 203 were delivered to the RAF. Jaguars of the Coltishall Strike Wing performed sterling work in the Gulf War of 1991 destroying Iraqi artillery and missile positions during Operation Desert Storm.

Westland Sea King HAR3

Serial No: XZ585 Period: Post-WWII Museum: London Location: Hangar 1 On Display: Yes

For long a familiar and reassuring sight to holidaymakers in coastal and mountain areas, and originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, the Westland Sea King was adapted for long-range RAF search and rescue duties as the Sea King HAR3, serving in the UK and Falkland Islands.

Powered by two Rolls Royce Gnome gas turbines, deliveries began in 1978, replacing the Whirlwind HAR10 and Wessex HAR2 in providing search and rescue cover for both military and civilian personnel across the UK.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI

Serial No: RW393/'TB675' Period: WWII Museum: London Location: Hangars 3 and 4 On Display: Yes

he Spitfire XVI was the last major version of the Spitfire to be powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin before introduction of the RR Griffon powered variants. Externally similar to the Mk.IX, it was powered by the US licence-built Packard Merlin 266 and was flown with both normal and clipped wings. Later production examples featured a cut-down rear fuselage with a sliding bubble canopy to improve the pilots’ view.

Total production of the type was 1,054, entering service in November 1944 and remaining in production until August 1945, the last month of the war.

Serial No: E449 Period: WWI Museum: London Location: Hangar 2 On Display: Yes

The Avro 504k is one of the greatest training aircraft ever built. It was used to equip training units first in the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force.

Developed from the original Avro 504 of 1913, the 504k differed from the earlier training variants by having modified engine bearers which allowed it to be fitted with a variety of rotary engines. Interchangeability was necessary due to shortage of certain types of engine and provided a welcome flexibility for the hard pressed trainer units.

On Display at London

Serial No: W2068 Period: WWII Museum: London Location: Hangar 5 On Display: Yes

The Avro Anson was slow, cold and noisy and is the most famous British aircrew trainer of all time. Used in huge numbers, ‘Faithful Annie’ is remembered with affection by most of Royal Air Force-trained multi-engined aircrew of World War Two.

The Anson I began life in the mid-1930s as a coastal reconnaissance aircraft. Although an advanced design at the time, rapid improvements in aircraft performance meant that the Anson was hopelessly outclassed when war broke out in September 1939.

A number of Coastal Command squadrons remained equipped with the type in the early months of the war and it was only three days after war broke out that an Anson made the first RAF attack on a German U-boat. Although still operational during 1940, providing patrols over the Channel and the Dunkirk evacuation, they were replaced as soon as more modern types became available.

Serial No: MN235 Period: WWII Museum: London Location: Hangars 3 and 4 On Display: Yes

Originally designed as a twelve-gun fighter, the Typhoon was intended to be the successor to the Hurricane. It suffered many development problems both with the airframe and its twenty-four cylinder Napier Sabre engine.

At the time of its introduction in 1941, it was the first 400mph fighter in the RAF and proved a match for the low level tip-and-run Focke-Wulf Fw190s. It was, however, in the low level close support role that the Typhoon excelled. From August 1942 it began offensive sweeps over France, Belgium and Holland, attacking enemy airfields and communications.

Serial No: 4101/DG200 Period: WWII Museum: London Location: Hangars 3 and 4 On Display: Yes

During the early war years the Bf109 was one of the world’s finest single seat fighters. Its basic design provided the potential for it to take new engines and armament so that it remained the backbone of the Luftwaffe fighter forces throughout World War Two.

The Bf109E was an improved version of an aircraft designed by Willi Messerschmitt in 1935. It had proved to be a superb fighter during early combat trials in the Spanish Civil War. Only when German fighter pilots met the Spitfire in combat did they find an aircraft in some ways equal to their own. The Bf109E was as fast as the Spitfire, faster than the Hurricane but could out-climb both.

Wow, just Wow !... Stumbled on the place while looking for something to do after a night away in London with my children.

Outstanding facility with dozens of planes from all through history! A wonderful experience for my young family with loads for the kids to do and see. I would highly recommend it!

Absolutely brilliant. Free entry, car park £5 for 3 hours, so much to do and see. The museum was awesome. We took some children on a day out here and they haven’t stopped talking about it.