I would go for France as #1. They set the ball rolling with their balloon ascents. and pioneered the monoplane.

I would go along with France, as well as Italy, and of course England. For the early days anyway.

As for more recent times, it depends on how you define innovative.

Russia and China would certainly get first prize for copying western designs and technology.

……Now the project itself. I feel that the project is becoming a rather exclusive affair with an inner circle who know everything and the rest of us left waiting for any snippet of information that leaks out.
Steve.

Doesn’t this so often seem to be the case with aircraft restoration projects ?

Secrecy for the sake of it. Perhaps it makes people feel more important ? 🙂

Looks very clever in theory

Did they have Air Malta charters back in 93 ?

They used to have Air Malta flights, don’t remember when though.

That should be most enlightening !

We had the flame twice today, in the morning and afternoon.

Interesting to note that the Police runners and cyclists are from the Metroplitan Police.
Motor cyclists seem to come from various forces.

Morning was damp

Afternoon lovely and sunny