It has been reported on local radio and television programmes that the Bournemouth Aviation Museum located at Bournemouth International Airport, Hurn, Bournemouth, England has been advised that their lease that runs out at the end of December 2007 will not be renewed. The airport authority needs to develop the area for a new car park.

The museum has been offered another site within the airport boundary but it is smaller and will increase the rental costs. A spokesman for the museum said that both the size and the increased cost may force them to disband the collection.

Photo of the Channel Express Dart Herald G-BEYF

Channel Express Herald G-BEYF

The smaller aircraft types and sections that includes loaned Viscount nose section G-OPAS (C/N 263) should be safe but the larger aircraft types such as the Channel Express Handley Page Herald and European BAC 1-11 may not be so lucky. As Hurn was responsible for the construction of virtually half the Viscounts delivered, it would be a shame to lose this very appropriate artifact.

For more information visit the Bournemouth Aviation Museum web site and watch the news pages here at the Vickers Viscount Network.

European Airlines BAC 1-11 G-AZMF.

Photo of BEA - British European Airways Viscount G-AOJC

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