The Vulcan to the Sky Trust continues to wait patiently for the City of Doncaster Council (CDC) to announce the new operator for the airport. Council officials have communicated that they are working diligently behind the scenes to facilitate the airport’s reopening process. In a recent news report, the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, commented, “The procurement of an operator is in its final stages of due diligence. We have regular meetings with investors, businesses, and airlines. We have submitted a Statement of Need to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in relation to re-establishing our airspace. This will soon be publicly available via the CAA website. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of retaining our airspace, and our MPs continue to engage with the Aviation Minister on this matter.”
At a roundtable event hosted by *The Yorkshire Post*, Damian Allen, Chief Executive of Doncaster Council, stated that the process is “in the last stages of procurement. We are going through due diligence so we can confirm the status of the preferred bidder.” He also indicated that the council intends to announce the preferred bidder upon submitting their full business case, which they hope to present at the next South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, 12 November, at 1300.
The Trust remains optimistic about the future of Vulcan XH558 at the former RAF Finningley site. Following the announcement of the preferred bidder, discussions about XH558’s future at the airport will resume. With the support of local MP Lee Pitcher, Mayor Ros Jones, and the City of Doncaster Council, the Trust aims to establish a long-term presence in Doncaster, further expanding its education program to inspire young people in STEM-related fields and providing a continued platform for Vulcan XH558 to captivate her many admirers.
This month, the Trust hosted another successful car event, where 30 classic vehicles paraded through the site to Vulcan XH558. The owners spent time with the volunteer team, learning about Vulcan aircraft history and XH558’s career, before having photos taken with their vehicles in front of the aircraft. With three more sold-out events scheduled this year, additional dates are being planned. Supporters are encouraged to watch for email announcements, as tickets tend to sell out quickly.
Two speaker events were also held recently: “Operation Black Buck & Tales from the Cold War” and “An Evening with Vulcan Display Pilot Kev Rumens.” Both events were highly successful, and similar ones are planned for 2025. Dates will be shared via email once finalized. The Trust’s engineering team continues to care for Vulcan XH558 with dedication, performing essential maintenance and a recent airbrake service. Supporters can find a detailed report in this newsletter on the work completed to keep XH558 in top condition. The Trust recently concluded the “Get in the Spirit” competition, in partnership with The Work-wise Foundation. This creative initiative invited primary and secondary students to use XH558 as inspiration, and winners from two schools were invited for an exclusive visit to see the aircraft up close.
XH558’s enduring elegance continues to impress fans and visitors. When asked about their impressions of the mighty Vulcan, one young visitor described XH558 as “pretty.” This aircraft’s inspiring design clearly resonates with young people, encouraging interest in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). For more information and to support the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, visit www.vulcantothesky.org
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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