Flew on the Metropolitan CV-440 when it operated an enthusiasts flight from Luton on the date mentioned. Took my two daughters with me with my youngest glad to get off after it did a number of low passes at Luton and if I remember correctly Duxford as well. Remember Dave Gearing on board taking pictures from the cockpit door as we sped along Runway 26 at a very low height!
The gentleman who organised the flight Chris ? hit his leg on the tow bar and was never the same again unfortunately.
The Boeing 727 parked at the side of the Heavylift Belfast is VP-CZY which was a regular visitor to Luton and I think was based at Beirut.