Doncaster, UK – In a significant development for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the iconic Vulcan XH558 has secured its long-term home at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. This comes as a relief to many who have followed the aircraft’s journey, particularly after the uncertainty surrounding the airport’s future following the expiration of its previous lease with Peel Holdings in June 2023.

The Vulcan XH558, once the star of the UK airshow scene, has been a fixture at Doncaster Sheffield Airport since 2011. Its presence there is not just a matter of convenience but of historical significance, given its ties to the former RAF Finningley. The Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST), the charity responsible for the aircraft, has been in discussions with the City of Doncaster Council (CDC) to ensure that the legendary aircraft remains in a location that befits its storied past.

Marc Walters, Chief Executive of VTST, expressed his excitement over the confirmation of XH558’s future at the airport. “We are thrilled to announce that following ongoing conversations with the City of Doncaster Council and the team behind the bid to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, we have recently had our longer-term future at the airport confirmed,” Walters stated. He emphasized the importance of XH558’s location in Doncaster, highlighting its historical links and the potential to inspire future generations in aerospace and engineering through the charity’s educational programs.

The aircraft, known as the Spirit of Great Britain, holds a special place in aviation history. It was the last airworthy example of the 134 Avro Vulcan jet-powered delta-winged strategic nuclear bombers operated by the Royal Air Force during the Cold War. XH558 first took to the skies in 1960 and served various roles, including maritime reconnaissance and air-to-air refuelling, before being retired from military service in 1984. It continued to captivate audiences as part of the RAF’s Vulcan Display Flight until 1992, and later through ground-based displays at Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome.

Thanks to a remarkable effort involving public donations and lottery funding, the Vulcan was restored to airworthy condition by the VTST, returning to flight in 2007. Its display career was revived, captivating thousands of aviation enthusiasts who flocked to see it in action. However, in 2015, due to engineering life expectancy issues and the withdrawal of maintenance support from third-party companies, XH558 took its final flight. Since then, it has been maintained in a taxiable condition, continuing to draw visitors eager to witness this extraordinary piece of aviation history.

Christian Foster, Programme Director for South Yorkshire Airport City, expressed optimism about the future collaboration with VTST. “We are looking forward to working with the VTST to put a lease in place that gives them some long-term security,” Foster remarked. He acknowledged the ambitious plans for the Vulcan Experience, which aims to provide an immersive encounter with the aircraft and its history.

As the City of Doncaster Council prepares to announce a new operator for the airport, the confirmation of XH558’s long-term home is a beacon of hope and continuity. It ensures that this remarkable aircraft will continue to inspire and educate, offering a tangible connection to the past while igniting curiosity and ambition in future generations. The Vulcan XH558’s story is far from over, and its presence at Doncaster Sheffield Airport is a testament to the enduring passion and dedication of its supporters.