This coming weekend.....
Jul 8, 2010 by Ian Homer. Posted to category: General
After her triumphant return to the Waddington Airshow last weekend, when record crowds saw her carry out two superb displays, which certainly celebrated the 50th Anniversary of her delivery to RAF Waddington as the first Vulcan B2 to enter RAF service in July 1960, Vulcan XH558 will now make a much awaited return to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day, on Saturday 10th July.
The Vulcan has emerged from an extremely challenging nine months since her last flight in September 2009; when for a time it was thought that the recession and a lack of funding would mean that the aircraft would never fly again. However in March, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST) were able to announce that the future of the Vulcan in flight this year had been saved by a significant anonymous donation; which would allow the extensive and complex work required to prepare the aircraft for the 2010 airshow season to be carried out.
Robert Pleming, Chief Executive of VTST, says: “I am delighted that our efforts to return XH558 to the 2010 air display season have led to timely success, and after our debut appearance at the Waddington Airshow, which of course produced record crowds and two superb displays by XH558, it is now with great pleasure that we are planning to bring the Vulcan back to Yeovilton, where I am sure that she will attract more large crowds and be afforded a very warm welcome.“ All of this would not have been possible without the huge commitment and efforts of the VTST team in partnership with Marshall Aerospace, BAE Systems, Kearsley Airways, Rolls-Royce and the Civil Aviation Authority and, of course the public, who have supported us so loyally and admirably. My sincere thanks to all who have supported us over the years and never lost faith in this incredible aircraft.”
Inspiring the Young
Following the Vulcan’s return to the skies once again in 2010, over 10 million youngsters who have never seen the Vulcan in the air will now have the opportunity to experience this inspirational “once seen, never forgotten” sight.
Michael Trotter, Business Development Director for VTST commented: “As we enter into the second major weekend of our 2010 season, XH558 is yet again proving the strength of the ‘Vulcan Effect’, with an estimated 180,000 spectators having already marvelled at this iconic and much loved aircraft so far this year. We hope that all our friends and supporters will help us to keep the momentum going. Cash is still extremely tight and we must explore every avenue to keep XH558 – newly named "The Spirit of Great Britain" - where she belongs, in the skies. I encourage everyone to visit the Vulcan Village at Yeovilton this weekend to find about the many ways that you can support us.”
