Concorde’s new home takes shape in Manchester

Building work is under way at Manchester Airport as structure specialist De Boer creates a new home for an iconic figure in Britain’s aviation history – Concorde. 

Protected from the elements
After five years in the open air, the historic aircraft will soon be protected from the elements as part of a major project to upgrade the airport’s Aviation Viewing Park. 

Bespoke hangar
De Boer is using one of its versatile All Weather Hall structures to create a bespoke hangar for the supersonic plane. Concorde’s new home will measure 33 metres by 66 metres, will reach 15 metres at its highest point and will feature a stunning glass gable end. 

Multi functions
The hangar will incorporate a restaurant and will be physically linked to a visitor centre, being created in a separate All Weather Hall measuring 12 metres by 36 metres. The De Boer-built visitor centre will house a hospitality suite, an aviation exhibition and an education centre for school tours. 

Iconic aircraft
Robert Alvarez, De Boer’s Sales Director – Commercial, said: “More than five years after being withdrawn from service, Concorde retains its iconic status in the aviation world and remains a firm favourite in the hearts of the public.” 

Semi-permanent home
He added: “As a company that has produced semi-permanent structures for a succession of high-profile assignments, De Boer is immensely proud to have been asked to create a hangar for such a famous and enduringly popular aircraft. There has been a great mood within the team as Concorde’s new home has taken shape.” 

Detailed planning
This project represents the culmination of planning, manufacturing and on-site delivery processes that have been under way since early 2008. The new-look Aviation Viewing Park is expected to be officially opened in February 2009. 

Historic Concorde
Despite being the second Concorde off the production line, the aircraft being housed at Manchester was always considered to be the flagship of the British Airways fleet. It carried the registration plate BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) – the forerunner to BA. 

Record-breaking aircraft
The aircraft went on display in the open air after arriving at Manchester on October 31, 2003. Its final flight – from Heathrow – had followed nearly three decades of service transporting passengers around the world. The plane had even earned its place in the record books when it flew at 1,488 mph, the highest recorded ground speed for a commercial airliner. 

A growing airports portfolio
The contract at Manchester Airport builds on De Boer’s considerable experience within the airport and aviation industry. Previous contracts have included the supply of restaurant and storage facilities at London’s Heathrow, the creation of a baggage-handling hall at Amsterdam’s Schiphol and the erection of a production unit at Cardiff International for LSG Sky Chefs, the world’s largest airline caterer.