18 January 2007
Supporters of Concorde were delighted last week when the supersonic airliner’s future was debated in Parliament with the introduction of a Bill which might see it return to flying status.
The Bill, proposed by Conservative MP John Randall (whose Uxbridge constituency lies close to Heathrow), suggests that it might be practical for one example to be restored not for commercial service. But his, he said, his ‘Bill has its roots in the well-supported campaign to ensure the preservation and, I hope, maintenance of a Concorde in a suitably airworthy condition to enable it to be flown on what might loosely be called ceremonial occasions.’ Mr Randall suggested that the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics would be a good target to aim for.
There were, he said, large obstacles to be overcome, but he hoped that with government backing the opportunity would be taken.
The Bill , although inspired by Concorde, is actually called ‘Protection of Listed Vehicles’. Mr Randall raised a few other examples of historic ships and road vehicles which would benefit from such legistation – and there would undoubtedly be many other aircraft that would fit the Bill (if you’ll excuse the pun).
A second reading was set for the start of February.
