Barbados: Concorde go home?
Written byGeorgia Popplewell
A British letter-writer suggests that the Concorde aircraft that Barbados was given by British Airways be relocated to a location where it would receive better treatment, but Titilayo finds evidence to suggest that Barbados's Concorde isn't the only one being housed under less-than-desirable conditions.
Written byGeorgia Popplewell
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Hello,
I thought you would find this news link interesting http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2410914,00.html from a recent edition of the The London Times, we are quite content in the UK to allow the world’s greatest civilian aircraft to rot away into a pile of dust, it begs the question do we really care ?
Kind regards,
Steve
http://www.save-concorde.co.uk
join the fight for flight !
Hi Steve:
Here are the word’s of Mike Bannister, a retired captain of Concorde, addressing guests at Barbados’ Concorde Centre. He stressed: “Concorde has returned to her rightful home (of Barbados).”
The Barbados Concorde Centre has been described by Mr. Bannister as “setting the standard” for Concorde exhibits worldwide.
Here is my coverage on the unveiling ceremony of the world’s fastest commericial aircraft.
April 17th, 2007
In a spectacular multi-media display which left top-flight guests in awe, the island’s latest visitor attraction – the Barbados Concorde Experience – was officially unveiled recently in a ceremony marked with glitz and glamour.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Noel Lynch, said that the new facility would help to accelerate Barbados’ tourism industry to even higher heights.
Addressing over 350 guests at Spencer’s Plantation, Christ Church, the Minister said that the Concorde Visitor Experience would help the island to soar above other destinations.
He explained: “Today’s event gives Barbados a stronger branding image which is closely associated with excellence and luxury. The Concorde in-flight attraction would help to place Barbados in a league by itself and ensure the sustainability of its tourism industry.”
Flown in especially for the event was retired Concorde captain, Mike Bannister, who described the exhibit as being the most impressive in the world.
Bannister, who was the youngest pilot to fly the supersonic jet, recounted that Barbados, will always hold many treasured memories for him.
“The most memorable experiences of piloting Concorde which will always be flying in [uniform] with the Red Arrows over Buckingham Palace to salute the Queen; secondly it was flying to Barbados for the very first time; and thirdly, flying the aircraft back ‘home’ to Barbados for the final time in 2003.”
The $3.5 million (US) facility, which is managed by Goddards Shipping Tours Ltd, boasts an interactive flight school, a departure lounge, an observation deck, and an in-flight experience multi media presentation.
Barbados beat out more than 70 countries worldwide to showcase the delta wing aircraft, which travelled at twice the speed of sound.
Five fascinating facts and figures about Concorde:
1. The aircraft travelled at 23 miles per minute
2. Flew twice the height of Mount Everest (60,000 feet)
3. Expands seven inches while travelling at supersonic speeds
4. Only 20 Concordes were manufactured, six for development and 14 for commercial aviation operations
5. on early evening transatlantic flights departing from Heathrow or Paris, it was possible to take off at night and catch up with the sunrise in the west
The Barbados Concorde Experience opens to the general public on Monday April 16 from 9:00am to 6:00pm which will be seven days per week. Admission for local residents is $14.00 (US) for adults and $10.00 (US) for children, while for non-residents it is $35.00 for adults and $12.50 (US) for children. Special group rates are available for students and visitors travelling in groups will receive special rates.