The Vulcan to the Sky Trust, Doncaster, UK, says it has taken what it describes as a major step toward improving the long-term care and presentation of Avro Vulcan XH558 and Canberra WK163 at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Work in recent weeks has centered around what the trust is calling Phase One, a plan that would move both aircraft to the Foxtrot Apron at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The area has been identified as the proposed location for a protective shelter that, if approved, would house Vulcan XH558 and Canberra WK163 while longer-term plans continue to develop. Rather than treating the structure as a temporary measure, the trust said it wants the shelter designed so it can eventually move with the aircraft to their future permanent location.
Officials also believe relocating the aircraft under cover would make conservation work easier and create better conditions for maintenance teams and visitors alike. The trust also said the move could help shape a more structured visitor experience while longer-term development plans continue. Work is currently underway to determine project costs, with fundraising expected to play a role in moving the project forward. The organization said it plans to publish a more detailed breakdown of expenses before launching any major fundraising effort. Expected costs could include the protective structure itself along with site preparation, utilities, lighting, access improvements, planning costs, aircraft movement, and supporting infrastructure.
There is still work to complete before any move can happen. Airport safeguarding requirements, planning considerations, technical reviews, and funding questions all remain part of the process before Phase One can move ahead. “We have never been closer to achieving this objective than we are today. There is still important work to complete, including airport safeguarding, planning, technical and financial checks, but having a clear working location and a defined route to progress is a substantial milestone. This work sits alongside our wider efforts to stabilise the Trust, reduce unnecessary costs, grow sustainable income, and place XH558 and WK163 at the heart of a future visitor, education and engineering facility at Doncaster,” said the CEO of Vulcan to the Sky Trust, Craig Shepherd. Supporters have been waiting years to see both aircraft placed under cover, and while trust officials say there is more to do, they also believe this is the furthest the project has progressed in some time. For more information and to support Vulcan to the Sky Trust, click on this link: vulcantothesky.org.
