Chrislea Super Ace Flew In To Coventry, UK Last Week

Airbase Coventry, the home to the Air Atlantique Classic Flight fleet of flyable vintage aircraft, is currently a blur of activity as work continues of a massive expansion program. And the collection has recently expanded into a second hangar at the historic Coventry Airport site and work is underway to create a visitor entrance, shop and art gallery.

Chrislea Super Ace On Delivery Flight

The latest airplane to join the fleet is a Chrislea Super Ace. This revolutionary British aircraft is one of just two survivors and flew into Airbase on February 3. "The Super Ace was a bold step in aircraft design" explains Airbase Commercial Manager Steve Bridgewater. "The British designers had a radical rethink on how an aircraft could be made easier to fly. Sadly the idea didn't catch on and just 18 were built. The Airbase example, registered as G-AKVF in 1948, is one of just two survivors worldwide and spent much of its life in Pakistan."

Other aircraft are expected to be added to the fleet during the spring, both through outright acquisition and a new scheme which is attracting private owners to base their historic flying machines at Airbase.

Heading up the rapid infrastructure development at the site is recently appointed Airbase General Manager Guy Stockley. Formerly in the RAF, Guy has recently returned from a period in Afghanistan and is relishing the task of being involved in Britain's newest aviation attraction.

"We have one of the best fleets of 1950s aircraft in the world and Europe's largest collection of flyable classic jet fighters, bombers and trainers," he explains. "Our challenge now is to display them to visitors at Airbase in an exciting and thought provoking manner whilst maintaining the 'working hangar' ethos that has made Airbase such a success. The ability to see, hear and even smell the airplanes in action is what makes us much more than an airplane 'museum'.

"The acquisition of a second hangar has enabled us to make the original 37,000sq ft Airbase hangar available for corporate events and functions from now on. Our plan is to offer an exciting and unusual venue for conferences, balls, parties or exhibitions and to this end we will be hosting a Corporate Day on April 14 for organisers to come and see what's on offer at the Midlands' newest exhibition venue."

In addition to these projects the team at Airbase is also in the process of turning a 1950s Douglas DC-6 airliner into an amazing restaurant at the airport. "The DC-6 Diner will open later this year and offer a truly unique dining experience," explains Steve Bridgewater. "There will be top quality food and drink served in an unusual venue with excellent service, it will be 'First Class' for Foodies!"

Martin Slater With Super Ace

If you happen to be in Coventry, the Airbase visitor center is currently closed for these winter refurbishments but re-opens on Good Friday, April 22. It will then be open at weekends and on bank holidays throughout the year.

Visit www.airbasecoventry.com