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Save a Trident!

Thanks to the overwhelming public support of Manchester Airport's aviation viewing park, Manchester Airport and British Airways have been given the opportunity to try and save one of Britain's oldest Trident 3B aircraft from being scrapped forever.

The Trident 3B G-AWZK, currently at London Heathrow Airport has almost been restored to its original condition thanks to many years of hard work by the Trident Preservation Society. But recently, the Society were shocked to find out that they must move the aircraft from Heathrow by March or it will be destroyed! Therefore the society has worked continuously to find her a new home and from a poll run on the society's website, Manchester Airport came out as the top choice. Manchester Airport and British Airways are now working together to try and save the aircraft so it can be put on public display at the aviation viewing park along side the prestigious aviation masterpiece Concorde.

Peter Hampson, General Manager (Airfield) at Manchester Airport said, "I am delighted that Manchester Airport has been chosen as the best home for the Trident. It's fitting that she comes to Manchester as in her hey-day the Trident was a frequent daily visitor to Manchester operating shuttle services to London Heathrow and to European destinations. We are keen to display the aircraft in our aviation viewing park alongside Concorde for the general public to see. I wish the Trident Preservation Society the best of luck with their fund raising efforts."

Dave Walsh, British Airways Airport Manager, added: "Manchester is an excellent airport with a great viewing facility which will make a perfect vantage point for such a distinctive, historical aircraft. I really hope that the public will support the society in its attempts to bring the aircraft here."

Neil Lomax of the Trident Preservation Society added, "The cost of moving the trident is quoted at £68,000, therefore an urgent appeal for donations has been made so that the aircraft can be saved. Manchester Airport has kindly agreed to display the aircraft for us. Will still need to raise an additional £20,000 if the Trident is to be saved and that's where businesses and the general public can help."

The Trident first flew on 9 January 1962. It formed the backbone of the short haul fleet of BEA and later British Airways well into the mid 1980s, when the aircraft type was gradually replaced by the new Boeing 737s and 757s. The last Trident, operated by British Airways flew from Manchester Airport to London Heathrow on 31 December 1985.

Donations can be made via email at save-the-trident@s4ssl.co.uk, by phoning 07767 206608 or via the website www.s4ssl.co.uk/trident/save-the-trident.htm or by post to 'Save the Trident' Appeal, c/o 249 Ratcliffe Road, Sileby, LE12 7PY.

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