G-AOYN/G-OPAS moves to Bournemouth

December 5th 2006 saw the arrival at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum of the nose of Viscount V.806 G-AOYN/G-OPAS c/n 263, painted in Parcel Force International livery, on loan from the Duxford Aviation Society.

G-AOYN in service with BEA in the early 1960's

Built as G-AOYN for BEA - British European Airways it first flew on 6th March 1958 from Weybridge, Surrey, England. Delivered to BEA on 26th March 1958 named ‘Sir Isaac Newton’, G-AOYN subsequently flew with Cambrian Airways and BA - British Airways before being retired in April 1980.

G-AOYN in service with BAF in the early 1980's

In February 1981 G-AOYN was sold to BAF - British Air Ferries who leased it to a number of operators including the Oasis Oil Company, Occidental Oil of Libya, Polar Airways and Capital Airlines (UK). In January 1984 it was sold to Panavia Air Cargo Ltd. who leased it back to BAF. In April 1993 BAF - British Air Ferries became BWA - British World Airlines. G-AOYN was re-registered in October 1994 as G-OPAS for use on a mail contract for Parcel Force International, and was painted in their distinctive red livery.

G-OPAS ended her flying days in June 1996 and was broken up in early 1997

G-OPAS ended her flying days in June 1996 and was stored at Rochford, Southend, England where she was broken up in early 1997. Her nose was saved and preserved at Duxford, Cambridgeshire, England with the Duxford Aviation Society who also look after the oldest surviving Viscount G-ALWF.

For more information contact the Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Dorset, England BH23 6SE

Telephone 01202 580858 or visit the Bournemouth Aviation Museum’s web site