A SPECIAL celebration is being held to mark the 20th anniversary of the final Concorde flight to depart from Manchester Airport.
A gala dinner will be held under the wings of this famous plane at Runway Visitor Park and anyone can apply for tickets.
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 October 22, 2003.
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.
To mark the milestone, Manchester Airport is hosting a commemorative event under the wings of Concorde 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 perform live and guests will also hear from former Concorde pilot, Captain John Tye and the aircraft’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.
To book visit runwayvisitorpark.co.uk/bookings/book-a-tour/
Concorde operated from Manchester Airport for more than two decades.
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, October 27, starting at 6.30pm.
Prices for the unique event are £90 per person.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here