Back in June 2025, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust confirmed that Avro Vulcan XH558 will remain at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, securing the aircraft’s long-term future at its historic home. This announcement paves the way for continued preservation efforts and the development of the proposed Vulcan Experience visitor attraction. At the June meeting of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board, Mayor Oliver Coppard provided an update on the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA). Coppard confirmed that progress is being made and that an investment decision is expected in early September. More recently, the Yorkshire Post hosted a one-hour interactive Facebook Q&A with the Mayor, during which members of the public were able to hear more about the airport reopening project and its funding prospects. In the coming weeks, a decision is anticipated regarding the release of £150 million in Gainshare funding, alongside the £30 million in government support announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in April, to help secure the airport’s future.
Since Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones and the City of Doncaster Council (CDC) began negotiations to lease the airport site, positive discussions have taken place with the Vulcan to the Sky Trust. These talks have confirmed the long-term future of Avro Vulcan XH558 at the airport. A plot of land has already been identified for the proposed Vulcan Experience visitor attraction, with further negotiations on a lease expected in the coming months.
The Trust has outlined several key elements already in place to move the project forward. A fully costed business plan, tested against scenarios including pandemic-style disruption, forecasts an annual attendance of around 50,000 visitors. Building plans, which have previously received planning approval, are ready to be resubmitted for the new location. In addition, the Vulcan Experience has previously secured £400,000 in grant funding from Sheffield City Region, underlining the credibility of the proposal. With land identified for the site and the backing of both CDC and FlyDoncaster—the council-owned company managing the airport alongside aviation specialists Munich Airport International—the Trust believes a secure and investable lease is achievable.
The vision for the Vulcan Experience is to create not just a permanent home for XH558, but a dynamic center dedicated to telling the story of the RAF, the Cold War, and the legendary V-Force. The attraction will also serve as a hub for education, inspiring future generations to carry forward Britain’s legacy of innovation in aviation. A planned Green Technology Hub will further highlight the challenges and opportunities of sustainable aviation, exploring topics such as the impact of climate change, new materials and aircraft design, energy sources, and future technical solutions.
While significant investment is still required, the Trust is confident that the project represents an attractive and viable opportunity. With XH558 at its heart, the Vulcan Experience aims to preserve history, inspire learning, and engage the public in the future of aviation technology. For more information, visit www.vulcantothesky.org
