A MUCH loved local attraction, the only surviving RAF Bristol Britannia, finally has a permanent base at Kemble Airport.
Visitors to Kemble will have seen the aircraft at many different places around the airport during the last 11 years. Now XM496 Regulus, a Bristol Britannia passenger and cargo-carrying aircraft that served with RAF from 1960 to 1975, has moved to a purpose-built hard standing.
It means work on its preservation can pick up pace and it will be open to the public more often.
Derek Smith, chief executive officer of the Bristol Britannia XM496 Preservation Society, which has cared for the aircraft for the last five years, said the public would now have greater access to the plane.
“Now she’s arrived at her permanent home, XM496 can benefit from uninterrupted progress on preservation and restoration of her airframe and active systems,” he said.
“We always had to be prepared for another move around the airfield, at any time. Now we can really focus on ensuring the Britannia becomes an even greater attraction for the public.”
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