The list of interested parties who have been consulted makes interesting reading. I am particularly intrigued by a glaring omission from this list: British Airways. As the owners of the airframe, I would have thought they would be the first organisation to approach about the feasibility of the project. Unless BA are on board, I would expect the project is dead in the water.
The other aspect that intrigues me are the references to visiting Concorde. Does this mean go on board, or just look at the aircraft from outside? If the latter, I’m not sure it will attract enough people to repay a £20 million investment. However, the former is, I think, unlikely. My understanding is that the aircraft is completely stripped and literally just a bare metal tube, although I assume most if not all of the floor panels are still in place. With all the spares having been sold off at auction when the aircraft were retired, there is zero chance of fitting out the interior. I can’t see many people paying money to see a stripped out Concorde, when they can hop on a train to Weybridge and see a fully restored aircraft there.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not against this project. I think it would be wonderful to see a fully restored Concorde open to visitors in the heart of London. I just don’t see how it can happen. If anyone can explain to me how it will happen, I would be delighted to find out.
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