Manchester Airport Press Release Trident 3B
Hi all for info,
Date: Thursday, 11 January 2007
HISTORIC TRIDENT JET TO GET A LIFT AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT
Manchester Airport has joined forces with Simulation - TERS Ltd to restore a
dismantled Trident 3B G-AWZK to its former glory.
The Trident Jet came to Manchester Airport's Aviation Viewing Park in September
2005 from London Heathrow, where it was under threat of scrapping as part of
redevelopment plans.
Arriving in sections by road, it was positioned on the ground in its final
display area awaiting reconstruction - in effect a great big, life size Airfix
kit.
Cared for on behalf of the airport by the Trident Preservation Society,
restoration of the interior has been ongoing since the aircraft arrived at the
Viewing Park. Now, Simulation - TERS Ltd, who recently completed construction
of the Airport's new Fire Training Rig, will be working with the Airport and
Trident Preservation Society to present a complete and publicly accessible
exhibit in a few months time.
Andrew Holl, Manchester Airport's Operations Director said: "I'm pleased to
announce the start of work to reconstruct our Trident. It is an historic
aircraft, fully deserving its place in our Viewing Park, and I look forward to
welcoming the first visitors on board with the Trident Preservation Society
sometime in the spring."
Neil Lomax, Chairman of the Trident Preservation Society added: "We are
delighted that the airport has committed to helping restore G-AWZK to its former
glory, now we will be able to show visitors the results of all our hard work"
The Trident first flew on 9 January 1962. It formed the backbone of the short
haul fleet of BEA and later British Airways well into the mid 1980s, when the
aircraft type was gradually replaced by the new Boeing 737s and 757s. The last
Trident, operated by British Airways flew from Manchester Airport to London
Heathrow on 31 December 1985.
Manchester Airport's Aviation Viewing Park is located just outside the airport
perimeter off the A538 near Junction 6 of the M56 and is open from 0830 until
dusk every day except 25th December. As well as the Trident, visitors can view
aircraft on the airport's taxiways and runways, see the flagship Concorde and
enjoy on-site catering and aviation shop facilities.