Earlier this month, Vulcan to the Sky Trust, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, announced that Marc Walters will step down as Chief Executive at the end of the year, following nearly a decade with the organisation, including three years as CEO. “It has been both a privilege and an honour to lead the Vulkan to the Sky Trust,” said Marc while reflecting on his time with the Trust. He added, “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, especially in navigating recent challenges and, through the support of the great British public, securing a bright future for the XH558 at Doncaster. I am grateful to have worked alongside such a passionate team and supportive community. Our dedicated volunteers work tirelessly on maintaining XH558 to a high standard, and a great deal of love and pride go into their work. As a charity, we recognise that these volunteers are the heart of ur operation and I want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of them.” The Trust has selected a new Chief Executive, with an announcement planned for the New Year, allowing a smoother transition.
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust shared some good news… In just over ten weeks, donations have reached £63,700, with an additional £45,000 secured through match funding from private donors and companies. The combined total strengthens efforts to keep the aircraft secure over the next 12 months, reflecting continued backing from supporters committed to preserving the XH558. If you would like to donate to the Trust, click here: vulcantothesky.org/vulcan-appeal.
After a break of more than two and a half years, the XH558 has returned to life. The break came after the engine run events were suspended, and the aircraft remained inactive for an extended period. In November 2025, the team completed the necessary checks and work on the aircraft, after which the engines were started and run again. The XH558 has since been placed into winter storage ahead of the 2026 season. Earlier this month, four dates were announced, with a total of eight sessions made available. All available sessions sold out shortly after going on sale. Additional dates are expected to be announced in 2026. There’s a video down below if you want to listen to the XH558 howl.
During 2025, Vulcan XH558 welcomed 2,532 visitors across 62 guided tours. In addition, 90 guests attended 18 special visits, which included a range of notable figures such as the Mayor of Rotherham, F4 racing driver Rowan Campbell-Pilling, Professor Dame Hillary Chapman DBE, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, representatives of the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers, and Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP. The site also hosted 116 visitors from six car clubs over the course of the year.
Away from the aircraft itself, the team delivered three theatre events, featuring talks from members of XH558’s engineering team and aircrew from the aircraft’s final flight. Other speakers included Mark “Splash” Aston of D Squadron 22 SAS, who spoke about the SAS campaign in the Falklands, and Squadron Leader Graeme Muscat, known as “Red 10.” The team also attended two airshows and hosted four Open Days at the Central Stores facility in Stratford. 2025 was an eventful year for the Trust. Planning is already underway for 2026, with further opportunities expected for the public to visit and engage with the aircraft.
Over the past year, the team delivered a range of education programmes across South Yorkshire and other areas. Working alongside education partners The Work-wise Foundation and Skills Street, the team built on programmes introduced the previous year and expanded their reach. The focus has been on introducing young people to science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing, while showing how these subjects can lead to future careers. Since July 2025, many of these activities have been based at a new education hub at Skills Street in Rotherham. Skills Street offers an immersive work-experience environment aimed at widening career awareness for children, young people, and adults, giving participants a clearer picture of the opportunities available to them. For more information and to support Vulcan to the Sky Trust, click on the link: vulcantothesky.org.
