Manchester Airport to mark 20 years since final Concorde flight with Gala event
- The iconic aircraft operated from Manchester Airport for more than two decades, with first flight departing in 1980 and final flight taking off in October 2003
- British Airways’ former flagship Concorde now on display at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park
- Tickets now on sale for Gala event under Concorde’s wings to mark anniversary, with four-course meal and entertainment
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Manchester Airport has announced it will be marking the 20th anniversary of the final Concorde flight to depart the Northern hub with a Gala dinner at its Runway Visitor Park.
The supersonic aircraft caused a stir when it first flew into Manchester in 1980, with thousands of aviation fans parking up on the roads around the airport to catch a glimpse.
Its final commercial flight from Manchester took place on 22nd October 2003 and just one week later the flagship aircraft in British Airways’ Concorde fleet touched down at Manchester one last time, as it was flown in to be put on display at the airport’s Runway Visitor Park (RVP).
To mark the milestone, Manchester Airport has announced a special celebration under the wings of the Concorde at the RVP – with tickets on sale to the general public.
The black-tie event will start with a drinks reception in the Concorde hangar before guests are seated for a four-course meal. Soprano Gemma Ashley will deliver a live performance and guests will also hear from former Concorde pilot, Captain John Tye and Concorde’s most frequent flyer, Fred Finn.
Guests will get the chance to board the aircraft, and the evening will be rounded off with a demonstration of Concorde’s famous nose droop.
Paul Emblow, manager of the Runway Visitor Park, said: “Concorde is an iconic aircraft and its story is intrinsically linked with the story of Manchester Airport, and of the Runway Visitor Park.
“For most of its years of active service, Concorde was a regular visitor to Manchester and its iconic silhouette even appeared in the airport’s former logo, such was its resonance with passengers and planespotters.
“The Runway Visitor Park now provides a permanent home for British Airways’ flagship G-BOAC, which transported members of the royal family among other famous faces and is the perfect setting to celebrate the anniversary of its retirement.”
The exclusive Gala event takes place on Friday 27th October with a 18:30 start. Prices for the unique event are £90pp.
For those wanting to experience Concorde up close and personal, a range of guided tour packages are also available, with prices from £18pp. Guests can book tours and experiences online via the RVP’s website and are encouraged to visit the What’s On page for guidelines, terms, and conditions before booking.
