An interview with Andrew Holl, Operations Director of Manchester Airport
Andrew Holl, the driving force behind the anticipated Super Hangar for Manchester Airport’s Concorde, tells us about the significance of the plane to the city and what the new attraction offers groups.
When did Concorde arrive at Manchester Airport?
G-BOAC Concorde made her final flight into Manchester on 31st October 2003 and has been on permanent display to the public since April 2004.
Why was she considered to be the ‘flagship’ of BA’s supersonic fleet?
Although G-BOAC was actually the second Concorde to join the BA fleet, she was considered the flagship because she carried the registration BOAC, which stands for British Overseas Airways Corporation – one of the forerunners of BA. She was also the Concorde used by the Royal Family, heads of state and the rich and the famous.
How accessible is G-BOAC Concorde to the public?
G-BOAC – or Alpha Charlie as she is affectionately called – is open to the public every weekend and on Bank Holidays for a wide range of pre-bookable guided tours ranging from the ever popular ‘Classic’ and ‘Technical’ tours to the more specialised ‘Four Aircraft tours’ and exclusive ‘VIP Champagne’ days. These tours have become a huge success and many of them, particularly the more specialist ones, sell out well in advance so it is advisable to book early. As for location, we are at the centre of an excellent transport network, well-served by air, rail and road. Visitors come from not only the UK but from all over the world to sit in the Captain’s seat and experience a piece of aviation history.
Do you cater for group bookings?
Yes, we welcome groups and offer ample parking for both cars and coaches. Groups can of course pre-book guided public tours at the weekend though many prefer to make a private booking during the week and have the aircraft all to themselves as well as enjoy the Park’s other attractions and facilities.
When will construction begin on the new Super Hangar and what facilities will it offer groups?
We are all very excited about the proposed hangar, which will not only protect this unique piece of aviation history for future generations, but will also mean that visitors can come and enjoy the Viewing Park in all weathers. We are just waiting for the final planning approval and can’t wait to get started as soon as this comes through. We are anticipating its completion for late 2008, although this may be subject to change.
The new development will include an hospitality suite, a centre for talks, an aviation exhibition, a shop and a visitor restaurant alongside Concorde with views of the runways. Guided tours onboard Concorde will run every weekend – as they do now – and we will welcome private group bookings during the week.
How much will it cost and who is designing it?
The Hangar project will cost £1.1 million. The contract has been awarded to the Hurst Group and the hangar is being supplied by De Boer. The design itself includes the most energy and water efficient equipment, making the hangar low carbon in terms of energy use. For example, we will be using LED lighting, a biomass boiler for heating and hot water in the winter and solar panels for hot water in the summer. Rainwater from the roof will also be collected in a tank and used for flushing the toilets.
Besides Concorde, what else does the Viewing Park offer groups?
We have a specially equipped DC-10 which seats 36 and is ideal for group talks and presentations and you can even have lunch onboard! Visitors can also take a look at our BEA Trident 3B which has been fully restored to its former 1970s glory and our AVRO RJX, the last civil airliner built in the UK. The landscaped Park is located alongside Manchester Airport’s busy runways and is the perfect place to watch the aircraft take off and land. It really does offer a great day out.
And finally, could a visit to the site be integrated into a journey from the airport as part of an overseas trip?
Yes, as long as you leave plenty of time before you have to check-in and have booked a specific time in advance. A group booking during the week, when parking is not a problem, would be a better option. The Park is only a mile down the road from the terminal buildings and is a great way to start a trip!