Citation
(2007), "Restoring a dismantled trident", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779cab.034
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Restoring a dismantled trident
Restoring a dismantled trident
Manchester Airport has joined forces with Simulation – TERS Ltd to restore a dismantled Trident 3B G-AWZK to its former glory.
The Trident Jet came to Manchester Airport's Aviation Viewing Park in September 2005 from London Heathrow, where it was under threat of scrapping as part of redevelopment plans. Arriving in sections by road, it was positioned on the ground in its final display area awaiting reconstruction – in effect a great big, life size Airfix kit.
Cared for on behalf of the airport by the Trident Preservation Society, restoration of the interior has been ongoing since the aircraft arrived at the Viewing Park. Now, Simulation – TERS Ltd, who recently completed construction of the Airport's new Fire Training Rig, will be working with the Airport and Trident Preservation Society to present a complete and publicly accessible exhibit in a few months time.
Andrew Holl, Manchester Airport's operations director said: “I'm pleased to announce the start of work to reconstruct our Trident. It is an historic aircraft, fully deserving its place in our Viewing Park, and I look forward to welcoming the first visitors on board with the Trident Preservation Society.”
Neil Lomax, Chairman of the Trident Preservation Society added: “We are delighted that the airport has committed to helping restore G-AWZK to its former glory, now we will be able to show visitors the results of all our hard work.”
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.
Manchester Airport's Aviation Viewing Park is located just outside the airport perimeter off the A538 near Junction 6 of the M56 and is open from 0830 until dusk every day except 25 December. As well as the Trident, visitors can view aircraft on the airport's taxiways and runways, see the flagship Concorde and enjoy on-site catering and aviation shop facilities.