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See Yahoo Groups BAC 1-11 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BAC1-11 for more 1-11 news.  This group will remain as a contact point to share information regarding the 1-11. Failing that just drop me an email and I will place the item on my news page. Just let me know about anything to do with the 1-11. Any movements, colour scheme changes, registration changes, scrappings etc etc. KEEP THE INFORMATION COMING!

18 Nov 2008

G-AZMF has reached the end of the road!!!

All channels have been exhausted trying to save the 1-11. Therefore I am finally and very relunctantly conceeding defeat with my year long battle to try and salvage something with "Mike Foxtrot"! It is due to be broken up within the next couple of weeks before the remaining fuselage section is taken away.

No further comment is required!!!

14 Oct 2008

I have just been advised that the "powers that be" at Boscombe Down have decided that XX105 should be sold for scrap metal! I have just received the following appeal from the Museum's Engineering Director:-

Dear All,

You will be sad to hear that QinetiQ are proposing to cancel the loan of XX105 to Boscombe Down Aviation Collection and sell it for scrap. We have written to the site management urging a reconsideration of this step but are not expecting a favourable outcome.
XX105(G-ASJD) a BAC 1-11 201AC has been on loan to the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection from QinetiQ since mid 2005. The aircraft is essentially complete except for the engines which have been sold and the rudder which was removed to support one of the flying 1-11s. This however has been returned but not refitted. QinetiQ have now decided that it makes the site look untidy and have decided that the airframe should be sold for scrap.
This is a unique aircraft and also one of the very first 1-11s off the production line for British United in 1964. It crashed on Salisbury plain during flight trials, was dismantled, repaired and went on to serve as a passenger aircraft with both BUA and BCAL, before being purchased by the RAE, then based at Bedford, where it was converted, including the fitting of a semi-glass cockpit and used for trials flying including precision navigation in all three axis and data link experiments. The Bedford fleet moved to Farnbourgh and then to Boscombe Down and the "owners" name changed from RAE to DRA to DERA and then eventually privatised to become QinetiQ.
Should this airframe be scrapped to "clean up the site" and to help line the QinetiQ shareholders pockets with a few pounds more? I therefore appeal to anyone out there who might be able to help to save this very special airframe! Please spread the word and ideally get people to write to QinetiQ, the press or if they are really daring Sir John Chisholm (Chairman) and we might succeed, they don't like bad publicity.

Best Regards

Ron Fulton
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection's Engineering Director

15 Sep 2008

It has been confirmed that Royal Air Force of Oman 1-11 551 has been retired. Below is an image of the aircraft arriving at RAF Fairford earlier this year. It will be used for spares to keep the other two 1-11s flying until the arrival of the replacement Airbuses, due by the end of next year.

10 Sep 2008

Recently sighted at Boeing Field is N999BW c/n 120 looking absolutely "factory fresh"! This is the smartest looking 1-11 in the entire current fleet. It is presently "on tour" around the US and Canada. A big thank you to Liem Bahneman for taking this superb shot.

29 Aug 2008

Today we celebrated the 45th anniversary of the BAC 1-11 in style with the visit of QinetiQ 1-11 ZE432 to Bournemouth Hurn. Operated by the Empire Test Pilot School, this 1-11 was originally delivered to Air Pacific as DQ-FBV in August 1973 and has been flying in its current role since March 1984. It carried out a superb flypast before landing and parking outside the Bournemouth flying Club where a number of former 1-11 pilots, engineers and cabin crew had gathered for this unique event. It was a very fitting tribute to man and machine! Many thanks must be given to the Captain of the 1-11, Squadron Leader Colin Froude and his crew for flying the aircraft into Hurn from its base at Boscombe Down. Colin stated that he was "looking forward to the 50th"!!! Also present on the airfield was Royal Air force of Oman 1-11 551 on what was its last ever visit to Hurn before being withdrawn from service on its return to Muscat Seeb.

9 Aug 2008

Some amazing photos have just materialized of unfinished ROMBAC 1-11 cn 410. It is located in a field in the suburb of Chitila to the west of Bucharest. How it got there is unknown. Thanks must go to George Bodrug for posting these excellent images which he took yesterday!

20 Jul 2008

G-AZMF Needs a new home update - AGAIN!

The European 1-11 "MF" saga continues!

Having seen the recent sad demise of the Channel Express Herald G-BEYF at the museum, a report about the 1-11's plight in Aviation News and the BBC South Today report showing a very sorry looking cockpit section of a scrapped 1-11 at Farnborough, I thought that it was time to ask you all to share your thoughts regarding the future of the former European Aviation 1-11 G-AZMF. It's been eight months since I attempted to secure it's future by putting together a plan for it to be relocated to the Manchester Aviation Viewing Park. As many of you know, this came to nothing. The aircraft was therefore towed back to EALs ramp at the end of April for short term storage pending the outcome of the future plans for an Aviation Heritage Centre. I must point out that, to my knowledge, there are no plans to relocate the 1-11 to the Adventure Wonderland park with the smaller museum exhibits, which is presently subject to planning approval. I've spent the last 4 years trying to help preserve the 1-11 at Bournemouth but time is rapidly running out now! It's been in the open for 6 years since it's last flight and has had no serious TLC other than a scrub down since then. It appears that there is no solution in sight for its long term future at present.
Having been instrumental in doing "what I can" over the past four years, I feel that the time has now come for a decision to be made regarding its future. I would therefore welcome any thoughts / ideas that any of you have which might help to make a difference in the "final battle" to save this unique piece of Bournemouth Airport's history.
Either we help to save "Mike Fox" or you can prepare to see it like the 1-11 at Farnborough, or even worse, like the Herald in bits!!!

I look forward to hearing from any of you who feel that something can still be done to save her!

Peter
www.bac1-11jet.co.uk

3 Jul 2008

I've just received some amazing news about former Chanchangi 1-11 5N-BCG. It appears to have escaped from its Nigerian "graveyard" and has reportedly entered service with Trast Aero! It flew in to Bishkek on the 4th March 2008, presumeably from Kaduna where it was stored since May 2002! Seeing will be believing so I await the first image of this former British Airways airframe. this is a very interesting development indeed!

Other interesting news is that MIA Airlines have sold two of their 1-11s, TZ-BSB and YR-MIA to Tombouctou Aviation. YR-MIA has been re-registered as TZ-BSA. They are both believed to be based in Bamako, Mali.

18 Jun 2008

A new image has just been received of 1-11 PK-PJF series 401AK cn 065. It was taken during 1996 and shows it in a new livery not seen before. Very little was heard of this aircraft up until the year 2000 when it was reportedly retired from service. From 2000 until the present day, it's fate has been a complete mystery. Therefore, if anyone has any further information about this aircraft after 2000 it would be much appreciated. Thanks to Felix Toggenburger for this image.

6 Jun 2008

Select Leasing's three 1-11s are once again being advertised for sale on Ebay.

3 BAC 1-11 Jet Aircraft Business Airliner BUY IT NOW

5 Jun 2008

Trast Aero 1-11 EX-086 has had its lease to Djibouti Airlines terminated. It has therefore returned to Trast.

10 May 2008

BAC 1-11 45th Anniversary Re-union

Dear All,

As some of you may already be aware, I had a "moment of inspiration" earlier this year when I realised that there would be a very unique opportunity to put together a special one off re-union for all those who have been connected with the BAC 1-11 over the years.

On Friday 29th August, the possibly one off, four day Bournemouth Sea Front Air show will be in full swing. Aircraft scheduled to appear include the Eurofighter, Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Sally B, and maybe even the Vulcan etc. Most of these will be based with FR Aviation over the weekend. FR Aviation are holding their own families day on the Friday, so I thought it would be a fantastic idea to hire out the Bournemouth Flying Club for a 1-11 re-union on the same day, especially as it's only a few days from the actual 45th anniversary date itself. As I speak, QinetiQ have agreed to fly one of their 1-11s into our event from Boscombe Down.

The timetable will run as follows:-

2.30pm – Arrive at the Flying Club.
3.00pm - QinetiQ's 1-11 arrives with a flypast followed by a landing and parking opposite the clubhouse
3.15pm – Hopefully we can go on board the 1-11 in small groups, subject to security etc
5.00pm – The 1-11 departs back to Boscombe Down (making as much noise as possible!!! Not to be outdone by the Reds / Eurofighter or the Vulcan if it attends!!!)
5.15pm – Until bar closing! Time to reminisce and catch up with old pals etc!!!

It will be a very low key event! In other words nothing quite on the grand scale of the 40th anniversary, but more of a chance of just letting your hair down and feasting yourselves on the aviation treat that hopefully awaits! (No top and tails required in other words!) You might be asking yourselves are wives and girlfriends allowed???
Well all I can say is that there is a limit of 100 places for the event due to the size of the flying club, so the more ex engineers, test pilots, etc that can come the better. So I think that answers that one!

Now the important bit!

Firstly, and most importantly, you must have genuine link to the BAC 1-11

It will be an "Advance payment" only affair at a cost of £10 per person. I "MUST" have the payment in advance as the Flying Club will need the money upfront to be able to put together a superb Hog Roast etc . Therefore, I would please ask you to send me a cheque, made payable to Mr P Clark, in the post to my home address. It will be
a "ticketless event" with names on a master list being ticked off as you arrive. If you're not on that list then "YOU WON'T GET IN"!

If you have any other ex 1-11 pals that you think should be attending as well then please let me know as soon as possible as places will be reserved on a strictly first come first serve basis.

I do hope that many of you will be able to attend. Let me know if you have any other questions etc. Before you do commit, I would be very grateful if you would contact me first.

Fingers crossed for some great weather.

Best Regards

Peter Clark
16 Barwick Close
Rustington
West Sussex
BN16 3TT

Tele 01903 779585
email:- mrshu_a300@hotmail.com
BAC 1-11 Forum at Yahoo Groups

04 May 2008

G-AZMF Needs a new home update - BREAKING NEWS!!!

At last it appears that there might be some good news regarding the future of G-AZMF. The Bournemouth Aviation Museum have just released a new statement regarding their future which gives renewed hope that G-AZMF will find a new home at Bournemouth albeit off the airfield but in a location that would ensure that it is preserved for the forseeable future!

http://www.aviation-museum.co.uk/frameset.htm

02 May 2008

It has just come to light that the two Trast Aero 1-11s that were leased to SCAT Air Company were returned to Trast during February. Since then EX-086 has been leased to Djibouti Airlines and appears to have been given an interesting new livery. The other airframe is flying for Trast Aero in the UAE.

30 Apr 2008

G-AZMF Needs a new home update

The 1-11 was towed back to European Aviation's ramp today. At present its future is still uncertain.

01 Mar 2008

I have just received provisional dates for the pending retirement of the RAFO 1-11s. 551 is due to be retired at the end of 2008 when the first A320 arrives in Oman. 552 will follow in 2009 while 553 will be the last to go when the second A320 arrives in 2010. The first two will be cannibalised for spares to keep the last one flying. Therefore, if the continued preservation of G-AZMF at Hurn fails, as seems likely at the moment, then I will almost certainly start a campaign to bring 553 back to Hurn!!! These Omani 1-11s have had such a unique relationship with Hurn over the years that it seems very appropriate to try and get one permanently preserved at Hurn in a "serviceable condition". I just hope and pray that by 2010 a new aviation heritage centre has risen from the ashes of the now defunct Bournemouth Aviation Museum!

29 Feb 2008

G-AZMF Needs a new home update

The AGM was held at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum last night. It was brief but to the point.

Basically, the existing Trustees resigned and five new ones will replace them. Please read the updates on the Bournemouth Aviation Museum website for the very latest news.http://www.aviation-museum.co.uk/frameset.htm

Beyond that, the action group / new trustees are working flat out to try and salvage something from the ashes of this whole sorry saga. It now appears that the other organisations who currently occupy the hangars might still be in place this time next year!!! So perhaps the museum didn’t have to close so hastily!!! Who knows? I certainly have my own thoughts regarding that issue!

As for the 1-11, it could be six months, six years, or never that another museum / heritage centre eventually opens its doors again at another suitable location on the airfield. I can say one thing for certain which is it doesn’t look like it will be any time soon!

In view of this, I have reluctantly decided to “give up my campaign”, as far as my involvement is concerned with the 1-11 G-AZMF. I have asked Ken Bradley, one of the new trustees, to deal with all matters relating to its future from now on, bearing in mind the lack of any further plans for the aircraft’s preservation at Bournemouth. The airport don’t want the aircraft, European don’t really want it back, especially for an undetermined timescale, in fact nobody really wants it, despite the fact that it is still the most important aircraft in Bournemouth’s history!!! There just doesn’t appear to be any way forward at the moment. So one way or another it appears that the “vultures” are gathering overhead.

As it presently stands there are four options regarding the future of the aircraft which are as follows, in order of the most likely outcome:-

The aircraft is bought by the Celtic Manor Hotel Group for £70,000, dismantled, transported, and re-assembled at their resort in Newport, South Wales.

The aircraft is scrapped.

The aircraft is placed in a suitable location on the airfield to serve as a “gate guard”.

The aircraft is preserved at a “new museum / heritage centre” located elsewhere on the airfield.

We were informed last night that because the airport management are rather embarrassed by the whole situation, (if that is truly possible) that the remaining businesses trading on the site can do so rent free until the alternative location is ready for them sometime next year!!! Doesn’t this just smack you in the face like a huge “stitch up” as far as the museum are concerned!!! Yes they could and should still be trading as well!!! The current deadline for them to vacate the premises is the end of April, but why the rush is beyond me!

So that is the very sad update as far as my involvement is concerned with the 1-11. All I can add is thanks for your support over the past three years or so with it. Please keep on supporting my BAC 1-11 website and keep me informed of any 1-11 news etc that you may come across.

Peter

www.bac1-11jet.co.uk

BAC 1-11 Forum at Yahoo Groups

8 Feb 2008

Regarding news item 6 Jul 2004, I stated that Sky King Inc 1-11 N101PC cn 073 had been broken up. Well it hasn't!!! It turns out that it is stored at Castle Airport, Atwater USA which is approximately 200 miles away from its previously known location at Sacremento. It was photographed in October minus its engines and appears in a Google Earth image!

15 Jan 2008

Big 1-11 news today is that a Northrop Grumman Corporation 1-11 N164W c/n 090 (ex G-AXCK) flew into Bournemouth for maintenance with FR Aviation. It arrived at 5.00pm and was immediately hangared. It is due to stay for approximately three or four weeks. the last time this 1-11 was seen in the UK was 25 years ago when it was G-AXCK with Dan Air, so it is great to see it back! This 1-11 is very similar to another 1-11 that frequents Bournemouth, QinetiQ's ZE433. It has a similar nose arrangement as it too is used for radar trials.

15 Jan 2008

G-AZMF Needs a new home update

The plan to move G-AZMF to the Aviation Viewing Park at Manchester Airport is off. A suitable quotation within the limited budget available could not be reached. It is therefore hoped that the aircraft will remain at Bournemouth! Further updates will appear as and when I receive them.

05 Jan 2008

The former European Aviation Ltd cabin trainer G-AVMJ was transferred by road today from Cook Transport's yard at Horton, Dorset to the West Herts College in Watford.

31 Dec 2007

1-11 review of the year 2007

The "current" 1-11 fleet has generally had another successful year with approximately 22 aircraft still remaining in service. A couple more airframes have being retired, and one example has re-entered service.

Once again, let's start with the operators where there has been no change during the past year:-

Northrop Grumman, Select Leasing Aviation, QinetiQ and The Royal Air Force of Oman continue to operate three aircraft each.

Although I'm not aware of any pending retirements with either the Northrop Grumman or QinetiQ fleets, it seems that the Select Leasing fleet are definitely operating on "borrowed time"! A visit was made to their facilities in October where it was observed that the three 1-11s were looking absolutely immaculate. Sadly they fly very rarely these days and have been on the market for well over a year now with no buyers on the horizon to my knowledge. The Air Force of Oman fleet soldiers on and still visit Bournemouth regularly, but it was announced earlier this year that they were going to be replaced at the end of 2009. Therefore please remember to "snap them" while you can as it will almost certainly be the last year that they will be seen at Bournemouth in all their glory! They will have been in service for 35 years with their original operator!

Romania remains the last major stronghold of the 1-11 with six aircraft remaining active. During a visit in October, all the MIA Airlines fleet of four aircraft were present at Bucharest Baneasa including TZ-BSB which is on lease to the Mali Government. Another two active aircraft were observed at Bucharest Otopeni with Romavia. The big news from Romavia is that YR-BRE was flying with a stage three hushkit fitted on the engines as trials are taking place to try and get them certified for permanent use on the Rombac 1-11! If only that had happened ten years ago when European Aviation attempted the same! Another 1-11 in their fleet YR-BRI, was in the process of being returned to service during the visit after a couple of years in storage. The great news is that Romavia hope to keep their two 1-11s in service for another three or four years. The stored fleet in Bucharest is down to four aircraft. At Otopeni YR-BRH is being used as a spares source while 5N-SEO and AP-BFC are still parked where they were a year ago and don't look likely to fly again. At Baneasa P4-CBH is in the process of being broken up for spares.

Elsewhere in the USA, Business Jet Services 1-11 N999BW remains in service.

In Mexico two 1-11s remain airworthy. XB-JZX has been re-registered as XB-KCE and was photographed parked alongside XA-CMG at Toluca in September. Very little is known about these two aircraft, so how much they actually fly remains open to speculation! I've got serious doubts about the status of XA-CMG. It's been for sale since been ferried to Toluca from Orlando Sanford in 2006. Other than a possible test flight I don't believe it has flown since.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, two 1-11s were still active during last year's review but it now appears that 9Q-CSJ has since been grounded. 9Q-CDY was last reported in service on lease to Compagnie Africaine d'aviation (CAA) but was grounded at Kinshasa in March, although It has just been confirmed that it was flying again on the 28th December! 9Q-CSJ is parked in Lubumbashi. An interesting development came to my attention a couple of weeks ago when I received a picture on the internet which appears to show the former Shabair 1-11 9Q-CEH located at Lubumbashi in a derelict condition. This aircraft hadn't been heard of for over ten years!

In Nigeria it appears that there has been no escape for any more stored 1-11s as expected. The two airframes reported as being serviceable last year, 5N-BCG and 5N-BDV have not been heard of again. The former Chrome Air 1-11 in storage at Lagos 5N-UJC appears to have been broken up. This still leaves as many as thirty to forty airframes scattered around the country in a derelict state! The remaining Okada Air fleet of nineteen 1-11s still remain intact at Benin City but are extremely derelict! A 1-11 grave yard would some it up nicely!!! Benin City 1-11 photos January 2008!!!

The two aircraft located in Libya 5A-DDQ and 5A-DKO are believed to have been withdrawn from service. 5A-DDQ hasn't been sighted in service for several years while 5A-DKO was photographed at Mitiga in October and appeared to be in storage. One report suggests that it hasn't flown since it was delivered from Bucharest Otopeni in October 2006.

Finally, in Kazakhstan three 1-11s are believed to still be in service. UN-B1110 is still flying with East Wing while EX-086 and EX-103 have been confirmed as active with SCAT Air Company.

Once again,

If anyone has any further news / updates / photos / corrections etc then please don't hesitate to contact me at:- mrshu_a300@hotmail.com

I can only keep these updates going if I keep receiving the images and the news etc!!!

I hope that you have had a great Christmas and have a very happy New Year.

16 Dec 2007

G-AZMF NEEDS A NEW HOME UPDATE

Today is a very sad day for the Bournemouth Aviation Museum as all the exhibits will need new homes! For one aircraft this is a particularly sad day. The aircraft in question is BAC 1-11 G-AZMF. The 1-11 is without doubt the most important aircraft in Bournemouth Airport’s history. First flown from the British Aircraft Corporation site on the 20 th August 1963, it has graced the skies over “Hurn” ever since and will celebrate its 45 th anniversary next year. G-AZMF was the last 1-11 to fly commercially in the UK on the 31 st March 2002 and in recognition of its historic status was loaned to the museum on the 17 th November 2004.

A bid was therefore launched earlier this month to find a new home for the aircraft. In an ideal world it should remain on public display at Hurn, but having looked at all the viable options, it has become apparent that a suitable location regrettably doesn’t exist and that the best that could have been hoped for is that the airframe became a “gate guard” with no public access whatsoever! However, I am very pleased to confirm that an offer has been received from the team at the Manchester Airport Aviation Viewing Park (AVP). They would like to display the aircraft with their growing collection of famous British Airliners which include the former British Airways Concorde G-BOAC and Trident 3 G-AWZK, as well as the last British Airliner Built in the UK, Avro RJX G-IRJX. As you read this, negotiations are ongoing to secure the long term future of this historic airframe. Subject to final approval by the Manchester Airport Board of Directors, it is hoped that a fund raising appeal can be launched at the earliest opportunity. The estimated cost of the move is currently still under discussion as the airframe will need to be dismantled, transported and re-assembled at Manchester. A fundraising website will go live today. You’ll be able to make contributions as soon as final approval is received that the project can go ahead. Please be prepared to “dig deep” and support the move of “OUR 1-11” to ensure that it goes to an excellent home where it will be displayed in all its glory for many more years to come. Please visit www.mikefoxtrot.org.uk for further information.

14 Dec 2007

G-AZMF NEEDS A NEW HOME

European Aviation have announced that they have agreed to handover ownership of BAC 1-11 G-AZMF to the Manchester Airport Aviation Viewing Park. The project has been approved in principal at Manchester but it has to go before the Manchester Airport Board of Directors before the final go ahead can be given the nod. The move will require the aircraft to be dismantled at Bournemouth and re-assembled at Manchester. Negotiations are presently ongoing with regards to this job.

9 Dec 2007

G-AZMF NEEDS A NEW HOME

Hi all,

As I’m sure most of you are probably aware by now, the Former European Aviation BAC 1-11 G-AZMF will be “homeless” after Sunday 16 th December when the Bournemouth Aviation Museum is forced to close it doors for the last time thanks to the totally “ruthless” approach by the airport management to demolish the hangars and turn the site into a car park!!!

As the museum have been given such short notice of the eviction it gives them very little time indeed to find new homes for the exhibits. As I have tried very hard to look after the 1-11 since it arrived in November 2004 I am keener than most to see that it finds a suitable new home at the earliest opportunity as I fear for its continued existence otherwise! Forget any “heart felt sentiments”, as the airport management have been totally unsympathetic to the whole situation, which is why I fear the worst for the aircraft.

PLAN A

The best we can hope for “REALISTICALLY” is that it is towed back to European and they find a space for it to become a gate guard, possibly at the Chapel Gate entrance on the North West Sector of the airport. Is this what we really want??? More importantly is this likely to happen? NO is the simple answer!!! I, for one, would dearly love to see the 1-11 stay on site at Hurn as this is where it belongs but I’ve got to realistically say “it ain’t gonna happen”!!!

PLAN B

I have just been in touch with Neil Lomax of the Trident Preservation Society. http://www.zulukilo.org.uk/

For those that don’t know, he looks after Trident Three G-AWZK and all the other aircraft at the Manchester Aviation Park at Manchester Airport. Neil has been in touch with the current Manchester Airport Management with a view to the 1-11 being located at the viewing park. The initial feedback looks very promising compared to any plans any of us might have for its future at Hurn. Space is available for it on the existing site and there is a distinct possibility that it would be re-painted back into its original British Caledonian livery!!! Neil is an “expert” with regards to dismantling and re-assembling these aircraft and has an excellent relationship with the company that transported the Trident from Heathrow to Manchester. The only spanner in the works at this stage would be the cost of transporting the airframe up to Manchester. An initial estimate is that it could be done for £15,000. It has therefore been suggested that a website be set up in an attempt to raise the required funds to enable this move to take place.

My overall thoughts are that this is by far the best opportunity that exists to ensure the long term preservation of this historic airframe. If it can’t be located at Hurn then Manchester is an ideal choice as it was a 1-11 hub for many years.

I would therefore welcome as much feedback on this unique opportunity so that it can be decided as soon as possible whether or not it is a viable plan.

Please spread the word round to “everyone”, especially those that might be able to influence the outcome and be able to dig deep into their pockets!!!

If we all pull together on this we might just “save our 1-11”!!! And to see it in its BCAL livery??? Only we can make it happen!!!

A new website is being launched shortly dedicated to BAC One-Eleven G-AZMF.

http://www.mikefoxtrot.org.uk

Regards

Peter

www.bac1-11jet.co.uk

BAC 1-11 Forum at Yahoo Groups

G-AZMF Volunteer at Bournemouth Aviation Museum

5 Dec 2007

G-AZMF needs a new home!!! I have received the very sad confirmation that the Bournemouth Aviation Museum is to close its doors for the very last time on Sunday 16th December! All the exhibits will need new homes from that date including the BAC 1-11 G-AZMF. I am hoping that European Aviation might come up with a plan but this is a very big "IF"!!! Otherwise the only option wil be yet another 1-11 scrapping!!! Any ideas are very welcome indeed!

14 Nov 2007

Next G-AZMF Working day

Wednesday 28th November could well be the very last G-AZMF 1-11 working day at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum! The museum has been given notice to vacate their current premises within the next couple of months or so due to the airport's continued expansion. The hangar will be knocked down and turned into an extension of the existing terminal car park! All very sad stuff bearing in mind it has taken the museum the best part of ten years to get where it is today. It is hoped that an alternative site on the north side of the airport can be found. Therefore, without any further news updates at present, I am holding the next 1-11 meeting with a view to it being the last one, certainly at the present location. Let's hope that changes in due course, but don't hold your breath! The day will follow the usual format. Meet up at the museum at appoximately 10.00am, have a light lunch and finish at about 4.00pm. I have then arranged "an evening out" at the Bournemouth Flying Club with a "Beer and a curry / Chilli con carne for a fiver". Call it a bit of a "pre-Christmas" get together! This will commence from about 5.00pm onwards and continue until closing time. I do hope to see some of you there.

31 Oct 2007

I have just returned from a very interesting trip to Romania and can give you a very comprehensive update regarding the remaining 1-11s at Bucharest Otopeni and Baneasa. The Romanian 1-11 story is far from dead! I arrived at Baneasa as 1-11 YR-HRS landed. As I was driven out onto the airfield we drove past a very sorry looking P4-CBH which was permanently withdrawn from service last July and has been robbed of all useful parts. A scrapping is now imminent! In the hangar YR-MIA was on overhaul and to complete a "full house" TZ-BSB (previously YR-CJL) landed in the evening. This 1-11 is now leased to the Mali Government but is still based at Baneasa. Next morning I went to Otopeni and was greeted by three long term stored 1-11s. These being the former Aero Asia Rombac AP-BFC, The Ex Chrome Air freighter 5N-SEO (previously Tarom's YR-BCR) and a very sorry looking ex Romavia aircraft YR-BRH. On the plus side YR-BRE was on the ramp and departed at lunchtime for a stage three hushkit test flight!!! This is very significant indeed as the 1-11 500 series has not managed to get the neccessary certification to date to enable it to fly with stage three hushkits fitted before now. Romavia appear to be very close indeed to achieving it so watch this space for the final outcome! Finally, after YR-BRE had departed YR-BRI was towed out of the hangar and parked on the flightline after a major refit and upgrade to return it to service. The word is that Romavia intend to continue operating their 1-11s until 2011. I should end by saying "bingo" as I saw every 1-11 that I'd come to see in Romania! All nine aircraft were present! A very productive trip except for the fact that I wasn't allowed to take any photos! Some things haven't changed in Romania, so don't forget that if you see any of these 1-11s keep snapping away!

18 Oct 2007

Classic Wings BAC One-Eleven Part 2 by Avion Video Out Now!

The eagerly awaited "part two" of the BAC One-Eleven story has been released by Avion Video. Once again, much of this amazing footage has never been seen before and includes many historic moments from the late 1960s to the present day. Avion Video have very kindly offered a £5 discount to members of the BAC 1-11 Forum up until midnight on the 1st November.

This DVD continues the story of the BAC 1-11, following the first four years of sales success that were covered in Classic Wings - BAC One-Eleven Part 1.

Using digital video and restored colour film from the BAE Archives, the introduction of the Series 500 and the development of two high performance 1-11s, the Series 475 and 670, are shown in detail. As the 1-11’s service life lengthened, so did the number of operators. Over 40 of them are seen on this DVD; from BEA to Savannah Airlines.

For this superb DVD / special offer please click on the link below.

http://www.avionvideo.com/products.asp?action=display&ch=dvd&sel=W062&ocode=5902

Highlights include:

Early years in the UK with Autair, Court Line, Dan Air, BIA and BCal.

LACSA 1-11s in service at Miami.

Merpati Nusantara, Air Pacific, Air Malawi and Oman Air Force.

BEA at Heathrow and Tempelhof. BA at Munich and Dusseldorf.

Tarom, Germanair, Phoenix, Cyprus and Cambrian.

Nigerian operators and South Africa’s Nationwide Airlines.

A flightdeck ride on a European Series 530.

Final years of UK operations with AB Airlines, British World and EAL.

and lots more!

25 Sep 2007

It has just come to light that Vigo Jet 1-11 XB-KCE has recently been involved in an incident at Cancun. It apparently declared an emergency, landed at the airport and was seen to offload some cargo to some waiting pick up trucks at the end of the runway! This was spotted and the police went to investigate. Although the trucks had gone, the pilots were arrested and traces of drugs were found on the aircraft!!! The aircraft was, until recently, registered as XB-JZX. It looks like the change took place in February 2007.

7 Sep 2007

I thought that it was about time that I gave everyone a BAC 1-11 Website update! The website has been running now for over five years and has been a great success. I've put many hours into this project which includes the BAC 1-11 Forum at Yahoo Groups and also the occasional trip down to Bournemouth Hurn to look after former European 1-11 G-AZMF. I've slowly improved the site as time has permitted by by adding further "special features" and of course the "aircraft changes" page which is still ongoing. I couldn't have done it without the support of some of you who have helped out along the way. Richard Church has to receive a special mention for his ongoing commitment to 1-11 research!

6 Sep 2007

1-11 news hasn't stopped!!! There just hasn't been much to report on lately! Unfortunately, as is always the case, I don't receive many reports of 1-11s flying. The main source of information comes from photographers who post their images to websites such as airliners.net etc. What I can confirm is that the "regular" aircraft are still flying. By this I mean those operated by the likes of the Royal Air Force of Oman, QinetiQ, Northrop Grumman, MIA Airlines, etc. These are "regularly" photographed at every opportunity. Half the remaining in service fleet are operated by these companies (11 aircraft). As for the other operators, it is extremely hit and miss as to what is going on. I think I can safely say that aircraft operated by Scat Air Company, Business Jet Access, Vigo Jet, and the Mali Government, are still in service as I have received recent reports and/or images. This covers another 5 aircaft. As for the remaining fleet which consist of a further 8 aircraft it is extremely unlikely that they all remain in service. Therefore. please keep the sightings and images coming so that I can try and confirm what is and what isn't still flying.

22 Jun 2007

For anyone who would like to get together and talk about anything to do with BAC 1-11s, I will be holding another G-AZMF working day at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum on Saturday 28th July. The day should kick off at about 10.00am with lunch at the Bournemouth Flying Club at about 1.30pm. The day will wind up at about 5.00pm. A beer and a curry is optional afterwards!!! Please let me know if you are coming.

12 Jun 2007

Former Tarom 1-11 EX-086 (Ex YR-BCJ) cn 253 is now flying for SCAT Air Company. It was photographed in the company's livery at Moscow Domodedovo on the 6th June. It therefore looks like it has joined EX-103 (Ex YR-BRC) cn 403 with SCAT. They are both wet leased from Trast Aero / Aquiline International.

http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=635943

6 Jun 2007

A 1-11 visited Gatwick this afternoon!!! I never thought that another 1-11 would ever fly into this London Airport, but at approximately 4.00pm this afternoon MIA Airlines 1-11 YR-MIA touched down for a stay of one hour. This is, I believe, the first 1-11 to visit for over five years. I can't remember when the last exec 1-11 was on the ground! Any ideas? A big thank you must go out to MIA Airlines, firstly for operating these classic jetliners, but more importantly for bringing them back to the UK just when it looked almost certain that we wouldn't be seeing any more civilian registered aircraft!

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1223764/L/

1 May 2007

Fantastic news! Another 1-11 visited the UK today! MIA Airlines 1-11 YR-MIA flew into Manchester this evening. I believe that this is the first 1-11 to visit Manchester since March 2002 when European Aviation flew G-AZMF in for the last time.

http://www.ringwayreports.co.uk/YR-MIA_DN_010507.jpg http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5970146

27 Apr 2007

Luton saw a very rare visit of a 1-11 yesterday evening. Mali Government's TZ-BSB arrived only a couple of weeks after it was delivered from Bucharest Baneasa. This was a very pleasant surprise indeed! Fortunately it was photographed. It departed this morning after an overnight stop.

http://www.myaviation.net/search/photo_search.php?id=01042261&size=large

25 Apr 2007

For anyone who would like to get together and talk about anything to do with BAC 1-11s, I will be holding another G-AZMF working day at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum on Saturday 12th May. The day should kick off at about 10.00am with lunch at the Bournemouth Flying Club at about 1.30pm. The day should wind up at about 5.00pm. A beer and a curry is optional afterwards!!!

24 Apr 2007

Latest news from Bucharest Baneasa is that VP-CCG cn 081 has been scrapped. It was, in fact, broken up last October for spares. Another 1-11 P4-CBH cn 088 carried out its last flight on the 3rd July 2006. It is currently being parted out for spares and is due to be scrapped by the end of the year..

11 Apr 2007

A newly registered 1-11 flew from Bucharest Baneasa today. TZ-BSB, the first 1-11 to be registered in Mali, carried out a test flight this afternoon. The aircraft in question is the former YR-CJL cn 086. It will be operated by the Mali Government on lease from MIA Airlines. It will be "outstationed" at the Mali capital Bamako but will still be based at Bucharest Baneasa. The good news is that it is fitted with a stage three hushkit so it may venture into Europe from time to time!

8 Apr 2007

The oldest surviving 1-11 N200JX cn 015, operated by Select Leasing, has flown again. It carried out a test flight from Waukesha Crites Field on the 6th April. This is the first time that this series 203AE aircraft ,originally delivered to Braniff back in 1965 as N1541, has flown in 16 months. It looks like a major overhaul has been carried out at its base, so let's hope that this very historic airframe has a few more flying hours left in it yet. It's other claim to fame is that it was the very first BAC 1-11 to ever fly into London Heathrow on the 4th July 1964 as G-ASUF. 43 years old and still going strong!!!

6 Apr 2007

The Former European Aviation cabin trainer G-AVMJ has been moved from Farnborough to Horton in Dorset. It is now owned by Cook Transport who are based at Horton, Dorset.

3 Apr 2007

Classic Wings BAC One-Eleven Part 1 by Avion Video Out Now!

I have just been advised that this unique DVD is about to be released by Avion Video. Much of this amazing footage has never been seen before and includes many historic moments from the 1-11's early days during the mid 1960s. Avion Video have very kindly offered a £5 discount to members of the BAC 1-11 Forum up until midnight on the 15th April. For this superb product / special offer please click on the link below.

Using expertly restored colour cine film from BAE Systems’ archives, and with authentic sound throughout, this DVD tells the story of the BAC 1-11’s early sales success.

Construction, flight testing, route proving, first flights, sales tours -they’re all in this fascinating programme covering that exciting period from 1963 to 1967; when, as the world’s first short-haul jetliner, the BAC 1-11 broke into the all-important US market.

http://www.avionvideo.com/products.asp?action=display&ch=dvd&sel=W059&ocode=5901

Main features:-

Construction, rollout and first flight of the prototype

American, Braniff and Mohawk 1-11s at work in the USA

British United’s route proving and inaugural 1-11 service

British Eagle 1-11s in service and at the Farnborough Air Show

TACA 1-11s at work in Central America

Flight testing Philippines Airlines and LANICA 1-11s

Aer Lingus 1-11s on delivery and in service

Testing and delivery of Channel Airways first 1-11

Air to air with a Laker 1-11

Also included are some of the other airliners seen on the 1-11's world tour. Examples are in the photo gallery

Part 2 of the One-Eleven story will be released on DVD towards the end of 2007

2 Apr 2007

It has been widely reported in the press and on television that QinetiQ 1-11 ZH763 has been carrying out trials as an unmanned air Vehicle (UAV). The press were flown onboard the former British Airways aircraft from Boscombe down. The pilots relinquished control of the aircraft which was then taken over by the pilot of an accompanying Tornado which was filmed by the press off the wing tip. The remote control was achieved via a military UHF radio to a box that was linked to the 1-11s autopilot. This was the very first public demonstration of a new system called "Autonomy", developed by QinetiQ for controlling UAVs. I can only hope that they don't remove commercial pilots from the flightdeck in the immediate future!

1 Apr 2007

Trast Aero / Aquiline International 1-11 EX-103 cn 403 is currently being operated by SCAT Air Company based in Kazakhstan. Click on the link below for a very interesting timetable! SCAT Timetable

13 Mar 2007

For any BAC 1-11 Flight Simulator fans out there, you might like to try the latest offerings from David Maltby's Flight Sim collection. There are some excellent 1-11 models, along with panels and sound. There is also a brilliant video showing his 1-11 models in flight! To view all of these and much more click on the following link. http://www.dmflightsim.co.uk/ Download the High Res version of the video 

17 Feb 2007

MIA Airlines 1-11 YR-HRS finally departed from Geneva back to its home base at Bucharest Baneasa this morning after being on the ground for eight months having an interior refit. Unfortunately it departed before daybreak, at 6.00am, so no photos were taken! Shame!!!

7 Feb 2007

Further news has just come to light regarding 1-11 XA-JSC (previously XA-ADC) c/n 183. It has now been re-registered as XB-JZX. It is based at Puerto Vallarta with Vigo Jet. http://fsmex.com/ver_imagen.php?id_foto=2249

10 Jan 2007

At long last the Kazakhstan registered 1-11 UN-B1111 has been photographed! It was caught in action flying into Dubai today. The image sheds some light on its new identity. It is now registered as UN-B1110 and appears to be flying for a company called East Wing. Whether or not this has any link with GST Aero remains to be seen. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1162167/L/

9 Jan 2007

Subject to the weather I will be at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum on Saturday 20th January to carry out some more work on G-AZMF. It will need its usual scrub down amongst other tasks! I hope to open up a few more panels and inspect the areas behind them. It might also be possible to plug the DC power back in if I can get the battery and a 1-11 electical "expert" on site!

I look forward to seeing some of you there. Please let me know if you can make it:- mrshu_a300@hotmail.com

7 Jan 2007

Further to the visit of MIA 1-11 YR-MIA to Geneva on the 2nd January, YR-HRS did not depart back to Bucharest Baneasa as expected!!! The very latest news regarding YR-HRS is that no departure time has yet been confirmed STILL!!! The airframe was already "immaculate" when it left Bournemouth last January. What exactly JetEx are doing with it is anyones guess!!!

4 Jan 2007

Select Leasing's 1-11s were all present at Waukesha Crites Field at the end of December. N200EE was being prepared for a charter while N111JX was parked on the ramp. N200JX was being worked on inside the hangar. It's been exactly a year since this historic airframe last flew so fingers crossed that it is about to do so once again! Elsewhere MIA Airlines 1-11 YR-MIA was photographed at Salzburg and Geneva on the 2nd January so its reported engine fire a few days earlier on the ground at Baneasa doesn't appear to have been as bad as it might have been! In fact it is now coming to light that it doesn't appear to have been YR-MIA that was involved at all. Further evidence suggests that it might have been YR-CJL! It has also been reported that GST Aero 1-11 UN-B1111 was flying on the 28th December. It flew Baku-Aqaba-Baku.

3 Jan 2007

Former British Airways 1-11 G-AVMO has now been completely rebuilt at the Museum of Flight, East Fortune. It is being prepared for opening to the public in the spring. Bearing in mind the rebuild only commenced on the 27th October, all those involved have done a great job!

28 Dec 2006

Once again it's time for the "1-11 review of the year for 2006". The "current" 1-11 fleet has remained steady at around 24 aircraft. Despite several airframes being retired, other examples have re-entered service. Most of the surviving fleet only fly occasionally, which means that they fly several sectors a month rather than a day! Let's start with the operators where there has been no change during the past year:-

Northrop Grumman, QinetiQ and The Royal Air Force of Oman continue to operate 3 aircraft each and no change is anticipated in the immediate future.

In Romania there has been much activity. At Bucharest Otopeni the Romavia Fleet has reduced to just one aircraft, YR-BRE, which is still being used by the government despite the fact that a BAe146 is now in service. The last 1-11 to be built, YR-BRI, had its engines removed which possibly means it won't fly again. YR-BRH hasn't flown for a couple of years! A year ago 7 other aircraft were also parked at Otopeni. VP-CLM has since been scrapped. UN-B1111 was re-delivered to Almaty, Kazakhstan where it is now flying with GST Aero. 2 former Tarom aircraft YR-BCJ and YR-BRC were given comprehensive overhauls before being delivered to Trast Aero / Aquiline International. VP-BBA was re-registered as 5A-DKO and eventually delivered to Libavia in October. The last 2 aircraft, AP-BFC and 5N-SEO still remain stored. At Bucharest Baneasa 3 1-11s were scrapped. YR-JBA and YR-JBB, both former Jaro aircraft and JetEx's 3C-QRF. 2 1-11s, G-MAAH and VP-CCG, were delivered to MIA Airlines from Bournemouth early in the year. G-MAAH was then fitted with a stage three hushkit and re-registered as YR-HRS. It went to Geneva in June for an extensive cabin refit and is due to arrive back in Baneasa by the end of December. VP-CCG is to be used for spares only. Out of interest, G-MAAH was the very last UK civil registered BAC 1-11. The other two 1-11s in the MIA fleet. YR-CJL and YR-MIA continue to be seen fairly regularly around Europe.

In the USA several changes have taken place. Business Jet Services 1-11 N999BW finally made it back into service after an 18 month refit that included the installation of a glass cockpit and a respray. N17MK was used as a spares source for the refit. Meanwhile Select Leasing Inc have been trying, without success, to sell N200EE and N200JX. They even resorted to Ebay!!! N200EE still flies occasionally but N200JX hasn't flown for a year. N111JX was kept busy during the summer as US group Pearl Jam used the aircraft throughout their US tour. Kori Air's 1-11 N789CF hasn't been reported active for well over a year so I have now transferred it to the stored fleet list. If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know!

In Mexico 2 1-11s XA-ADC and XA-CMG are still flying. XA-ADC is now flying for Vigo Jet and has moved to its new base at Puerto Vallarta while XA-CMG finally flew out of Orlando Sanford and was due to re-enter service with Grupo Adelac at Toluca. I've not heard much of these two aircraft in recent months, so how much they actually fly remains open to speculation!

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2 1-11s remain active, 9Q-CDY and 9Q-CSJ. How active is once again open to question. My guess is that they might both be grounded by now due to a lack of spares / maintenance!

In Nigeria it appears that there is an attempt to sell two aircraft!!! Would you buy one from Nigeria? Former EAL / Chanchangi 1-11 5N-BCG has been kept in very good condition at Kaduna and reportedly carries out regular engine runs while ex Savannah 1-11 5N-BDV is in a similar condition at Maiduguri. These two airframes were only handed over to the Nigerians just before the 1-11 ban came into force in May 2002.

Of the other 1-11s in the stored fleet, it is highly unlikely that any of them will ever return to service. There maybe a couple of exceptions, but even those that have only recently been retired are unlikely to become active again! Aircraft such as N200JX, N789CF, PK-TRU, YR-BRI are, perhaps the only candidates. Several stored aircraft were scrapped during the year. Meanwhile former British Airways 1-11 G-AVMO was partially broken up for its move from Cosford to East Fortune. It is reportedly being re-assembled and returned to its former glory!

Overall, it hasn't been a bad year for the remaining 1-11 fleet. The biggest ongoing problem is lack of spares. This hasn't been helped by the closure of BAe Systems 1-11 support at Filton. As for 2007, I think that the active fleet will probably reduce to fewer than 20 airframes for the first time. You can only use an "educated" guess as to which ones might not be seen in the air again. Several possible candidates come to mind.

If anyone has any further news / updates / photos / corrections etc then please don't hesitate to contact me at:- mrshu_a300@hotmail.com

I hope that all you 1-11 fans have had a great Christmas and have a very happy New Year.

And last but not least, I have just received a fine image of 5A-DKO taken by Stephen Kinder at Tripoli Mitiga on the 7th December 2006.

8 Dec 2006

MIA Airlines update:- YR-CJL should be in Innsbruck as this latest update goes out. Photos taken of 1-11s at this location always look absolutely stunning with the mountain backdrop! Meanwhile a "provisional" departure date has finally been announced for YR-HRS (G-MAAH) c/n 259 from Geneva back to Bucharest Baneasa. It is the 28th December.

7 Dec 2006

Business Jet "Access" (Services) 1-11 N999BW c/n 120 has finally started flying again after its comprehensive 18 month refit. I still haven't received any images of this fine old machine but will bring them to you just as soon as I receive some! http://www.businessjetaccess.com/bac1-11.html http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N999BW

21 Nov 2006

During a visit to Geneva yesterday, I noted that MIA Airlines 1-11 YR-HRS is still parked on the ramp. It arrived on the 12th June for a two month interior refit!!! It was originally delivered to MIA from Bournemouth on the 31st Jan. After being fitted with stage three hushkits at Baneasa it was seen at Geneva on the 9th May, possibly in conjunction with the refit. It therefore doesn't look like it has entered "revenue" service at all since its delivery ten months ago! Let's hope that there is a good reason for the long delay otherwise a question mark must hang over the immediate future of this airframe. It's only saving grace is the fact that it is so low on hours and has had the stage three hushkit fitted already.

20 Nov 2006

It has come to light that two 1-11s still remain "serviceable" in Nigeria and are being maintained pending a possible sale!!! Former Chanchangi 1-11 5N-BCG, in storage at Kaduna, and Savannah Airlines 1-11 5N-BDV which is stored at Maiduguri are both regularly carrying out engine runs and sometimes taxi. They both look in remarkably good condition, so there is obviously some truth in the suggestion that they might fly again! Of the forty or so 1-11s thought to still exist in Nigeria these two are most definitely the only ones that might possibly fly again but this would be a miracle! Sadly I don't think that anything will come of this though! I would love to be proved wrong though in this case!

17 Nov 2006

Romavia 1-11 YR-BRE has been flying the Roumanian President around Europe. It has been photogaphed in both Warsaw and Budapest over the past few days. Meanwhile YR-BRI has had its engines removed and looks like it is permanently withdrawn from use. This aircraft was the last 1-11 to be built in 1989. At 17 years old It is therefore still a relatively young airframe. I don't expect it will fly again though.

http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5854322

13 Nov 2006

Select Leasing Inc 1-11 N200EE flew again on Monday 6th November. As far as I am aware all three airframes are still up for sale.

12 Nov 2006

It has been confirmed that MIA Airlines 1-11 P4-CBH has been withdrawn from service at Bucharest Baneasa and probably won't fly again.

9 Nov 2006

With the arrival of Omani Air Force 1-11 551 into Bournemouth Hurn yesterday, it reminded me that very soon, the Omani's will become the longest operator of the 1-11. The first one was delivered from Hurn on the 18 December 1974. 32 years later, next month, and the fleet is still going strong although it is earmarked for replacement by 2008 due to ever increasing maintenance costs. Amazingly, the Omani's have been sending their 1-11s back to Hurn for servicing every year since 1974, which is before many of us can remember! The previous company to have operated the 1-11 the longest was Tarom. Their fleet also saw 32 years of service.

4 Nov 2006

It has been reported that Libavia 1-11 5A-DKO was delivered from Bucharest Otopeni to Tripoli Mitiga on the 12 October 2006. Whether or not we will ever see an image of this aircraft remains to be seen!

7 Oct 2006

I've just received some fantastic news regarding Business Jet Services 1-11 N999BW. It returned to its home base at Dallas Love Field last Thursday 5th October looking pristine in its brand new livery. It has also been fitted with a "glass cockpit"! There is no doubt that this aircraft is the most stunning 1-11 still flying! Hopefully its "extensive" refit, which has taken about 18 months to complete, will see the aircraft remain in service for several more years at least. Stage three hushkits were fitted to the engines a few years ago as well. Hopefully some photos will follow shortly.

28 Sep 2006

Former Rotec Industries 1-11 N111RZ cn 056 was towed out for static display at the Rockford Airfest 2006 last wekend. It looked to be in very good condition inside and out despite the fact that it has been in open storage for the past three years. This airframe was originally delivered to American Airlines on the 21 January 1966 which makes it yet another 1-11 to reach an amazing 40 years old albeit not quite still in service! The airframe is now reportedly used for police training at Rockford, but how much longer it will survive intact for is anyones guess.

12 Sep 2006

Former Tarom ROMBAC 1-11 YR-BRC c/n 403 was delivered to Trast Aero / Aquiline International Corporation on the 7th September 2006, after base maintenance performed by ROMAVIA. It was re-registered as EX-103 before being ferried to Bishkek International Airport, Kyrgyzstan by Trast Aero crew. I can now also confirm that the other 1-11 EX-086 was delivered on the 28th April 2006.

11 Sep 2006

As the future of the three "historic" Select Leasing 1-11s remains in doubt, I thought it only appropriate to bring you the latest image of the most historic airframe of them all N200JX. Many thanks to Brandon Lukas for taking this fine shot on the 7th September at Waukesha Crites Field.

11 Sep 2006

G-AVMO was delivered from Dunsfold to the Museum of Flight at East Fortune over the weekend. It remains to be seen how long it will take to reassemble it! Thank you to National Museums Scotland for allowing me to publish this image.

03 Sep 2006

5A-DKO has been seen at Bucharest Otopeni on the 22nd July. It has therefore still not been delivered. Another aircraft was spotted resting in a field next to a municipal rubbish dump at Chiajna/Rudeni. It was in primer only so I would imagine that it is cn 410 which was the tenth ROMBAC. It was never completed by Romaero. I believe that it was destined for the military as a series 475. (see my gallery page for an image)

01 Aug 2006

The latest news from Bucharest Otopeni is that former Tarom 1-11 YR-BCJ c/n 253 has been delivered to Trast Aero / Aquiline International Corporation and registered as EX-086. It is believed to have been delivered sometime during May. A second former Tarom ROMBAC 1-11 YR-BRC c/n 403 is due to be delivered shortly and will be registered as EX-103. http://www.aquiline-aero.com/fleet/fleet0503.shtml

28 Jul 2006

Select Leasing Inc (Select Aviation) 1-11 N200EE has taken to the air once again. It flew from Waukesha to Will Rogers World (Oklahoma City) where it appears to have carried out a demonstration flight pending a possible sale. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N200EE

22 Jul 2006

The Ebay auction of Select leasing 1-11s N200EE and N200JX has ended without a bid. The future of these two historic airframes must therefore hang in the balance! The third aircraft in the fleet N111JX has just completed its US tour with rock band Pearl Jam! Listed below is a full list of tour destinations.

18 Jul 2006

The dismantling of former British Airways 1-11 G-AVMO has begun this week at Cosford. Let's hope that ASI are very careful with it!!!
I understand that the wings and tail will be cut off, with great care, before all the bits are transferred by road to the Museum of Flight at East Fortune. The journey north is due to take place in September. I believe that the airframe will then be stored while a final location on the site at East Fortune is found for the aircraft. It will be very interesting therefore to see how this story develops!

17 Jul 2006

I've just received some good news from Mexico thanks to a couple of images that have recently been uploaded to airliners.net Many thanks must go to Luis Tena Orozco for taking the photos!!!

XA-CMG cn079 which had been stored at Orlando Sanford for several years has finally been flown out and arrived in Toluca, Mexico 22 Jun 2006. It is currently being prepared for a return to service and is being repainted. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1076873/L/

Meanwhile XA-ADC cn183 (previously VP-CMI) has been re-registered as XB-JSC and is being prepared for its new owner, Vigo Jet SA.DE.CV This company is based in Puerto Vallarta. It has been suggested that it will return to an XA- registration. More details will follow as I receive any further updates on this story. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1076872/L/

12 Jul 2006

Former British World 1-11 G-OBWD was finally "put out of her misery" as scrapping commenced at Southend today. It is due to be completely reduced to junk metal within the next couple of days! I understand that 5N-HHH (G-FIRE) may follow shortly! This could signal the end of the 1-11 at Southend unless of course Jet Ex / MIA send any of their 1-11s in again for a refit. So after many years of 1-11 movements, including many deliveries to Africa, 5N-HHH looks increasingly likely to make history as the last 1-11 at the historic site!

11 Jul 2006

Regarding the Select Leasing auction news, The aircraft appear to be back on auction until the 20th July. In short, "two very geriatric jets" which should now be retired gracefully and placed in a museum,especially the historic N200JX!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-BAC-1-11-Large-Business-Jets-Aircraft-Airplane-BBJ_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63678QQihZ005QQitemZ150008861777QQrdZ1

6 Jul 2006

The two Select Leasing 1-11s for sale on Ebay, N200EE and N200JX, have been bid for right at the last minute! The sale price was as advertised at $2,250,000. Watch this space for any further updates!

3 Jul 2006

The two ex Jaro 1-11s, YR-JBA and YR-JBB that are in storage at Bucharest Baneasa have reportedly been scrapped along with another airframe parked at Otopeni, VP-CLM.

21 Jun 2006

Some interesting news just in is that the two Select Leasing Inc series 200 1-11s N200EE c/n 083 and N200JX c/n 015 are being advertised for sale on Ebay!!! If you've got $2,250,000 then they are yours! More importantly, from an historical point of view, N200JX was the very first BAC 1-11 to ever visit Heathrow on the 6th July 1964 when it arrived in it's Braniff livery registered as G-ASUF. It has certainly been on a very long journey since then!!! I await any further developments. The last flights of these aircraft was back in January as far as I know.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-BAC-1-11-Large-Business-Jets-Aircraft-Airplane-BBJ_W0QQitemZ150001925653QQihZ005QQcategoryZ63678QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

14 June 2006

I thought I'd give you a "current" fleet update.

Air Katanga / ITAB 9Q-CSJ, 9Q-CDY
The latest update on these two rare aircraft is that 9Q-CSJ is presently not at Lubumbashi. Either it is flying or stored elsewhere. 9Q-CDY has flown a dozen or so times since this time last year according to latest reports.

Business Jet Services N999BW Stage 3 Hushkitted
The aircraft has just come to the end of a very comprehensive refurbishment. Its flightdeck has been upgraded with the installation of a glass cockpit and it is currently being resprayed. It will shortly return to service after nearly a year!

Grupo Adelac XA-ADC
The aircraft is being kept busy flying out of its base at Toluca, Mexico. I have been told that it flies up to three times a week.

GST Aero UN-B1111
It was reported that this airframe returned to service at the beginning of this year after a period of storage and an overhaul at Bucharest Otopeni. It is based at Alamaty. No sightings have yet been recorded.

Kori Air N789CF
I've been told that this aircraft does fly occasionally in the USA but no reported sightings or images of it have been given to me so far. In fact I've only ever seen one image of this aircraft!

Libavia 5A-DKO
Another airframe that was supposedly returned to service earlier this year from Bucharest Otopeni after a period of storage and overhaul. Once again no one has confirmed this to me yet and it has not been seen. I've just received an update which suggests that it will be delivered from Otopeni very shortly.

Libyan Arab Airlines 5A-DDQ
It was photographed parked in Tripoli late last year but is rarely seen other than when it goes into Malta for its maintenance. Sources have suggested that it hasn't flown for as long as two years!

MIA Airlines YR-CJL, YR-HRS, YR-MIA, P4-CBH
The largest remaining 1-11 operator with six aircraft in the fleet although only four are in service. The three Romanian registered aircraft are stage three hushkitted, These are the last three civil registered 1-11s still allowed to fly in Europe! The fourth aircraft P4-CBH is normally based in Africa. 3C-QRF, which had been in storage, has reportedly been scrapped.

Northrop Grumman N161NG, N162W, N164W
These airframes are all used as testbeds for various radar installations. Testing is currently been carried out with the JSF radar system.

QinetiQ ZE432, ZE433, ZH763
All of these aircraft are active from their Boscombe Down base.
ZE432 still flies with the ETPS while ZE433 is involved with Eurofighter radar trials. ZH763 carries out all sorts of electronic missions.

Romavia YR-BRE, YR-BRI
Both these aircraft were kept busy until recently. YR-BRE has been on "government duty" for the past few years, but it seems to have been replaced by a BAe146. YR-BRI was carrying out regular trooping flights. Neither aircraft have been sighted or photographed away from their Otopeni base for sometime now.

Royal Air Force of Oman 551, 552, 553
Still in service with their original customer after 32 years! A record! They are due to be withdrawn from service by 2008.

Select Leasing Inc N111JX, N200EE, N200JX
This company operates the world oldest 1-11 still in service N200JX a series 203AE c/n 015! This airframe was originally first flown in 1964 and delivered to Braniff. Sadly it looks increasingly likely that the two series 200 aircraft have been withdrawn from service. They haven't been reported as active for 6 months now and were up for sale. The series 400 N111JX, fitted with a stage three hushkit, is currently touring the USA.

That completes a comprehensive list of current operators. It looks, very much, like many of these airframes may have already been withdrawn from service. In particular those flown by Kori Air and Select Leasing.
Without any further confirmation, I would suggest that only about 16 or 17 of the above airframes actually remain in service!

As for those aircraft that might still be in service to celebrate the "magic" 50th anniversary or the type in 2013, I would imagine that those operated by Northrop Grumman and QinetiQ might just make it along with one or two of the stage three hushkitted airframes such as N999BW or YR-HRS. Time will tell!

12 May 2006

Fantastic news!!! G-MAAH has now become YR-HRS with the MIA Airlines fleet and has had stage three hushkits fitted to its Rolls Royce Spey engines by Jetline Technics at Bucharest Baneasa! It was photographed for the first time at Geneva on the 9th May. http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5726813

29 April 2006

A further development took place yesterday at Southend as the Fresh titles were removed from G-OBWD and replaced by British Heart Foundation titles and TZ Aviation on the Port side! This was to do with a guy from TZ Aviation who ran the London Marathon for his charity the BHF hence the fake registration G-OBHF!!! http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1038319/L/ At least this 1-11 is going out in style!

27 April 2006

G-OBWD was moved to the scrapping area at Southend today. The other 1-11 on the airfield 5N-HHH (G-FIRE) is in use with the fire service. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0537714/L/ http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=246846

25 April 2006

It was reported that the former British World Airlines 1-11 G-OBWD (9L-LDK) "Fresh Titles" carried out static engine runs on the 21st April at Southend prior to parting out. It has been in storage for nearly five years so it finally looks like the end is near!

12 April 2006

The cockpit section of former Albarka Air 1-11 5N-BBP was transported to the Aviation Museum at Ta' Qali, Malta on the 10th April http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5662753

The former British Airways 1-11 G-AVMO which is resident at the Cosford RAF Museum as part of the BA collection will be saved! A press release was given by British Airways yesterday to confirm that the complete airframe will be dismantled and transported to the Museum of Flight at East Fortune. It is due to arrive in September. http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bapress/public/en_gb http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0995175/L/

15 Mar 2006

ZE433 finally departed Hurn at 1215 today and flew into its new base at Boscombe Down. I've been advised that it should return to FR Aviation at Hurn periodically

9 Mar 2006

QinetiQ 1-11 ZE433 carried out a scond test flight from Hurn today. I still don't know when it will finally depart to its new base at Boscombe Down.

7 Mar 2006

VP-CCG departed from Bournemouth this morning for its new base at Bucharest Baneasa where it joins G-MAAH with the MIA Airlines fleet. I have been told that it will probably for spares use only as its engines are time expired.

5 Mar 2006

Some news from the USA is that N17MK cn 054 has been permanently withdrawn from service by Business Jet Services. In fact it has been stored since March 2002. It was decided in 2005 to use it as a spares source for N999BW. This aircraft is another historic airframe as it was the second series 400 aircraft off the Hurn production line and was originally registered as G-ASYE.

3 Mar 2006

Tikal Jets 1-11 TG-TJK was scrapped at La Aurora late in February. Meanwhile N17MK of Business Jet Services has been photographed at Tulsa minus its stage three hush kitted engines. It is therefore now listed as stored. I am waiting to find out any news regarding the company's other 1-11, N999BW. This aircraft was also fitted with a stage three hush kit. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1020880/L/

4 Feb 2006

BAC 1-11 5N-BBQ, which had been stored at Malta since September 2002 was moved from the NCA / Medavia hangar today. The aircraft was first towed over to "Park 9" at Malta Airport before being hoisted by crane over the airport perimeter fence It then travelled by road to Hal-Far disused airfield where I understand it will be used for fire training purposes. Hopefully some photos of its move will be forthcoming. This was the last stored 1-11 to be removed from the Medavia facility. The fate of the others is as follows:- 5N-BBP- Broken up earlier this month, although its nose section was delivered to the local museum (Albarka Air livery), 9L-LDL-Broken up earlier this month (BWA livery), 9L-LDJ- Moved to the Malta Airport fire service training area (all white) http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5672070 http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5673553

3 Feb 2006

An interesting development has just been reported to me regarding the former Aravco 1-11 VP-CCG. Despite receiving earlier reports suggesting the demise of this very elderly 1-11, it appears that it might just be preparing to leave Bournemouth. It was carrying out engine runs today and one report even suggested that it flew yesterday! If it does fly out, then my money is on it joining G-MAAH at MIA Airlines. We will have to wait and see. In the meantime another 1-11 flew into Bournemouth last week. RAFO 1-11 553 arrived for further maintenance by FR Aviation. It has also been suggested that the QinetiQ radar testbed ZE433, also with FR Aviation, will be flying out to its new base at Boscombe Down towards the end of the month.

31 Jan 2006

At 1700 hours GMT and shortly after a lovely sunset the very last 1-11 to be delivered from Hurn to a "NEW" customer departed off runway 08. Appropriately it used its British registration as its callsign "Golf Mike Alpha Alpha Hotel!" Its destination was Bucharest Baneasa. The pilot sounded like he was from MIA Airlines! In fact I can confirm that it will be joining the MIA Airlines Fleet. My guess is that it will be fitted with a stage three hush kit and be re-registered in Romania before continuing to fly within Europe.

Yet another historic day for this fine old British Airliner!

26 Jan 2006

Great news today!!! G-MAAH finally carried out a test flight from Hurn nearly two years since it's last took to the air! It flew for just over one hour before returning to FR Aviation. I understand that at least one more test flight will take place before the aircraft departs Hurn for the very last time sometime next week. It is due to fly to Bucharest Baneasa where I believe it will be joining the MIA Airlines fleet. No doubt it will be re-registered shortly after it arrives. Once again, this will almost certainly be the last ever Hurn 1-11 delivery to a new customer unless of course VP-CCG gets a reprieve! http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5668971

18 Jan 2006

It has been announced that the British Airways collection of airliners based at RAF Cosford is going to be disposed of. This is extremely sad news as all the aircraft in the collection are important "classic" airliners. These include the Boeing 707, VC-10, Trident, Comet and Viscount. More importantly from a 1-11 point of view G-AVMO is also in the collection! Its future is therefore very uncertain at this stage. I await any further developments. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/510220/L/

14 Jan 2006

Good news has just been received from Bucharest Otopeni. As many as four stored 1-11s may soon be returning to service. UN-B1111 flew back to Almaty on 29th December and is now flying for its new operator GST AERO. Meanwhile 5A-DKO, previously VP-BBA, is being prepared for delivery to Libavia who are based in Tripoli. It is due to depart within the next few weeks. Both aircraft were prepared by Romavia. In an interesting development, it appears that two former Tarom series 500 aircraft that have been in long term storage, YR-BCJ and YR-BRC are going to return to service! It has been reported that they will be operated by SKY WAY International / Trast Aero and will be based at Bishkek, Gyrgyzstan. WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

13 Jan 2006

The scrapping of 9L-LDL has now begun at Malta. Meanwhile the fuselage of 5N-BBP has been towed away. 5N-BBQ is next for the "chop". This is the last 1-11 at the Medavia facility. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/994502/L/ http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5662753 http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=437551

11 Jan 2006

Further to seeing the photo of XA-ADC cn 183 taken at San Antonio, I can confirm that the other XA-ADC cn 084 is still stored at San Antonio minus its engines. This airframe is white with a red cheatline. Out of interest, XA-CMG should have departed from Orlando Sanford by now and be based alongside XA-ADC at Toluca. Latest information still suggests that it might only be used as a spares source.

10 Jan 2006

A very sad image has just been uploaded to jetphotos.net! Although not a surprise, it's always sad to see another 1-11 finally sucumb to the scrapman! http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5658185 Taken on the 7th January at Malta, 5N-BBP has finally been scrapped! On a happier note, the image directly below it is very pleasing to see! http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5657972

1 Jan 2006

Happy New Year to all of you who have enjoyed my BAC 1-11 Website!

I am very pleased indeed to announce that 2005 has ended on a "high" with a superb image of the oldest BAC 1-11 still flying, N200JX! It was uploaded to airliners.net this morning and shows just how "pristine" this aircraft still looks after 42 years in service! http://www.airliners.net/open.file/985202/L/

30 Dec 2005

The 2 Albarka Air 1-11s and former British World Airlines 1-11s have been moved at Malta in readiness for scrapping! The BWA 1-11 9L-LDL has been moved into the Medavia hangar for what I guess will be final decomissioning. The two Albarka aircraft will no doubt follow. The "all white" ex BWA 1-11 9L-LDJ has been moved across to the grass area in front of the fire station for fire training.

14 Dec 2005

This annual review comes to you a little earlier than normal this year due to the fact that I am in danger of recording the worst monthly "message" figures on the BAC 1-11 Forum since I took it over in November 2001! Funnily enough the same happened last December, but with only 2 messages so far this month, anyone would think that there were no 1-11s left flying out there! I am therefore going to try and "provoke" a response!!!

Firstly, it has to be said that thanks to the power of the internet, I have got contacts in most places around the world where 1-11s still operate. However getting these contacts "to talk" is another matter altogether. I would sum the whole situation up by saying that it's a constant battle trying to get anyone connected with the serviceable fleet to actually communicate with me, either via the forum or directly by email. Trying to draw "blood from a stone" comes to mind!

It is pleasing to say that there is still a very varied mix of execs, military aircraft and of course testbeds out there despite the fact that 99% of the passenger fleet is no more! These include a wide selection of "old timers and newer" 1-11s from aircraft such as Select Leasing's N200JX, c/n 015, a series 203AE which first flew with Braniff as N1541 on the 24th May 1964, to more recent ones such as Romavia's YR-BRI c/n 409, a series 561RC ROMBAC aircraft built in Romania and first flown in April 1989. This of course was the last 1-11 ever built!

I think the highlight of the year has once again got to be the use of the aircraft by MIA Airlines. This company has been very active indeed with their two stage three hushkitted fleet YR-CJL and YR-MIA. These two have been seen all over Europe and been well photographed fortunately. A third aircraft, P4-CBH was resprayed in April and is believed to be operating outside Europe as it only has a stage 2 hushkit fitted. A fourth aircraft 3C-QRF is, I understand, stored at Baneasa.

Romania remains a 1-11 stronghold with ten examples in service or stored at Otopeni and another five or so at Baneasa.

In Africa it's business as usual! In other words who knows what is going on!!! The last I heard was that 9Q-CDY was still in service on lease to Wimbi Dira Airlines but nothing has been heard of it recently. Elsewhere, I think everything is now either stored or derelict. Certainly one of this years highlights has been that photograph of the 17 Okada Air 1-11s taken at Benin city in April. It has now taken over 50,000 hits at Airliners.net!!!

In the USA, nothing has really changed except for the fact that a few more images have been taken recently of the Select Leasing aircraft which is very welcome indeed! Sadly, the 1-11 just isn't loved in the US in the same way that it is in Europe! Therefore it is extremely difficult getting any serious information / updates from there! Saying that, I have had some useful feedback regarding the Northrop Grumman testbeds.

In the UK the last 1-11 stronghold continues to be Boscombe Down where QinetiQ use ZH763 and the Empire Test Pilot School use ZE432. These two will be joined by the testbed ZE433 in the new year.
At Bournemouth/Hurn time is rapidly running out for the two Aravco aircraft! G-MAAH Has been resprayed and sold. It is due to leave shortly. Although no confirmation has been received, I believe that it will be going to JetEx/MIA Airlines. Rumour has it that VP-CCG will be scrapped. ZE433 will be going to its new base at Boscombe Down which will leave no aircraft based at the airport for the first time in many years! Although we are unlikely to see any further 1-11s based at Hurn it is hoped that the Omani Fleet will still visit for maintenance for several more years! This leaves VR-BEB on the fire dump and G-AZMF at the museum.

On the subject of preserved aircraft, it is a great shame to report that none are actually under cover at present, therefore they are all slowly "rotting away" despite the best efforts to prevent their decay, especially by the Brooklands Museum G-ASYD Team! These airframes have got to be under cover to stand any chance of "long term" preservation! What would it take to start a campaign to get G-AZMF moved into the Bournemouth Aviation Museum hangar where it could be displayed properly and have the "history of BAC/Vickers at Hurn" on view in the cabin! After all, up until the 1990s there had been more British Airliners built at Hurn than at any other location in the UK, including 279 Viscounts and 222 1-11s. At present the entire history of Hurn production is sadly located on one small "corner" of wall space at the museum yet much more is given over to less worthy items! (Holmsley airfield gets a whole room!) It should, without doubt be the centre piece of the museum! Please share your views on this subject! This aircraft must be displayed inside otherwise it will rapidly turn to rust, hardly a fitting end to Hurn's "finest"! (take one look at the Herald!!!)

At Duxford the new Hangar is taking shape but there are no plans to place G-AVMU inside!

In Mexico, XA-CMG is due to join XA-ADC at Toluca but it has been suggested that it might only be a spares source for XA-ADC.

Looking at the stored fleet, a couple of aircraft may shortly return to service. The former VP-BBA and UN-B1111, currently stored at Otopeni, are two candidates. I await confirmation. Otherwise it is a case of continued storage leading to further scrappings or derelict airframes as is the case in Africa.

That's about it for now. Phew I hear you say, if you got this far!!! Please keep the news stories and pics coming in via the Forum.

Thank you for your continued interest in the BAC 1-11

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

5 Dec 2005

Grupo Adelac 1-11 XA-CMG c/n 079 is due to leave Orlando Sanford within the next few days and re-enter service after a long period of storage. It is due to fly to Toluca, Mexico where I understand it will join sister ship XA-ADC c/n 183.

10 Nov 2005

The Former European 1-11 G-AWYV fuselage has been cut in half at Air Salvage International's Yard at Alton and its forward fuselage placed next to the Diner 2000 cafe at the Yard's entrance! Whether or not you can eat your Sausage egg and chips in "first Class" remains to be seen! I suggest therefore, that you check it out next time you are passing through Alton!!! http://www.airliners.net/open.file/957186/L/

30 Oct 2005

Good news and bad news from Bucharest Otopeni! Firstly it appears that UN-B1111 will shortly return to service in the UAE. Whether or not it returns to Almaty, its former base, is unclear. Another aircraft, VP-BBA c/n 126 is reportedly due to fly out very soon to Libya where it will join the Libavia fleet. It is apparently registered as EX-111 at present. I await confirmation of this! The bad news is that the former Aravco aircraft VP-CLM is due to be scrapped in the near future. A great shame as it was immaculately kept by FR Aviation prior to leaving Bournemouth in August 2003!

24 Oct 2005

G-MAAH was rolled out today. It was towed back across the airfield and parked next to VP-CCG at FR Aviation. Apart from the registration, G-MAAH is still taped on, it's a case of spot the difference between the two aircraft! Sadly the weather was wet and windy all day so not good for photos!

23 Oct 2005

G-MAAH respray is now complete. It has been sprayed into the same livery as VP-CCG! It is due to leave the hangar imminently. My guess is that it will be rolled out tomorrow morning. This will be a very historic moment as I believe that this will be the last ever 1-11 to be rolled out, albeit after a respray, on the site of the former BAC 1-11 production line at Hurn. It is 42 years and 3 months since the very first 1-11 G-ASHG was rolled out on the 28th July 1963! This is an absolutely unique event for a British Jet Airliner after such a long time! The 1-11 might not have had the same appeal as Concorde or the Comet but it has definitely stood the test of time!

18 Oct 2005

It has been confirmed that 1-11s G-MAAH and VP-CCG have been sold and will therefore fly out of Bournemouth very soon! G-MAAH is due out of the European spray shop either this weekend or sometime next week. I still have no further news regarding the new operator or registrations.

15 Oct 2005

It has sadly just been announced that the four 1-11s in Malta will shorty be scrapped. The aircraft have been parked at the Medavia facility for several years pending a possible sale which has unfortunately come to nothing. The aircraft are 5N-BBP c/n 202, 5N-BBQ c/n 230 Ex Albarka Air and 9L-LDJ c/n 242 , 9L-LDL c/n 232 Ex British World. I think we can safely say that none of the stored 1-11 series 500 aircraft are likely to fly again as the market has completely evaporated for these elderly airframes. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/391326/L/

14 Oct 2005

Aravco's 1-11 G-MAAH has been moved from the FR Aviation parking area to the European Aviation spray shop / hangar at Bournemouth. I am hoping to get some more details as soon as possible about this "BIG" news story! The aircraft has spent most of the past five years parked up despite being maintained as a serviceable airframe by FR Aviation. Fingers crossed that it is good news and we will see it fly out of Bournemouth soon.

9 Oct 2005

Empire Test Pilot School 1-11 ZE432 was a very welcome visitor to Toulouse on Friday 7th October! It's great to see this aircraft out and about! http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=398591

3 Oct 2005

No reports have been received for a long time now regarding the status of the three remaining in service 1-11s operating in Africa. The three airframes are 5N-UJC of Chrome Air, 9Q-CSJ of Air Katanga and 9Q-CDY of ITAB. It looks increasingly likely that the airframes are therefore now in storage. The Chrome Air aircraft, in particular, hasn't been reported as in service for about three years. The ITAB 1-11 was carrying out a limited service from Lubumbashi to Johannesburg earlier this year but I believe that this service may now have stopped. 9Q-CSJ was been used as an executive transport but appears to be in only very limited use, if at all.

29 Sept 2005

Mia Airlines 1-11 YR-MIA has paid a return visit to Southend. It flew in just after 1.00pm this afternoon. It left in March this year as P4-JLB having had a new cabin interior fitted. . It has since been fitted with a stage three hushkit. It is reported that another 1-11 from the Mia Fleet will also fly in for a refit in the near future

5 Sept 2005

It appears that the future of the former AB Airlines / Bournemouth Aviation museum 1-11 G-AVMN has been secured. Having departed from Bournemouth in February on a low loader, it was loaded on a ship and transferred to Slagelse, Denmark where it is now a restaurant! It is intended that the wings, tail and engines will be re-attached before the end of the year. From the images that I have received, it is clear that the electrics have been made live once again with most flightdeck lights working! A great job! Now to get to work on G-AZMF!!!

1 Sept 2005

Mia Airlines 1-11 YR-MIA made a very welcome visit to Cardiff today. http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=537345

12 Aug 2005

It is rumoured that the two Bournemouth based Aravco 1-11s VP-CCG and G-MAAH may be scrapped in the near future!!! VP-CCG was flying until recently but appears to have been placed into storage and hasn't been reported as having flown for a some time now. It is a former American Airlines aircraft c/n 081 a series 401AK and first flew in 1966! Its future looked secure as it had been fitted with a stage three hushkit but it appears that a buyer for the aircraft cannot be found. G-MAAH c/n 259 a series 488GH built in 1978, had been earmarked for a stage three hushkit conversion. This has not materialised and it remains stored at Bournemouth. This airframe is the lowest houred 1-11 in the entire fleet and is immaculate inside and out. Personally, I cannot believe that a buyer cannot be found, but unless it gets its hushkit fitted then its future looks increasingly bleak! http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=385497 http://www.airliners.net/open.file/448097/L/

10 Aug 2005

In a further twist, the JetEx Flight Support / Mia airlines 1-11 c/n 260 has been re-registered yet again! Having begun the year as P4-JLB, when it emerged from its interior refit at Southend, it was re-registered as HR-ATS in June and had its stage three hushkit fitted. It has been photographed today at Vienna as YR-MIA! http://www.airliners.net/open.file/903499/L/

5 Aug 2005

I can now confirm that the Nationwide Airlines 1-11 fleet have been broken up at Lanseria. The only surviving airframe, ZS-OAG, has been transferred to the airport fire service. The other surviving airframe on the airfield is the former Rwanda Airlines aircraft 9XR-RA c/n 011 a series 201AC. It appears also that ZS-NUG is also still intact. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/513137/L/ http://www.airliners.net/open.file/458769/L/

31 July 2005

The former European Aviation Cabin Trainer G-AVMJ left Bournemouth last night on a low loader. It arrived at the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Museum at Farnborough Airport. It will be restored to its former glory and displayed to the public when complete. It's great news that another 1-11 has been saved from the scrapman albeit the fuselage only in this case! http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=372804

15 July 2005

I have just received news that Berkut Air's 1-11 UN-B1111 is at Bucharest Otopeni for maintenance with Romavia. This possibly means that it will once again become part of the current 1-11 fleet since it appears to have been stored at Almaty for over a year. VP-BBA, once part of the Jetline fleet, is also with Romavia at Otopeni. |It is destined for a company called Libavia and will shortly be re-registered.

15 Jun 2005

Jetline International have re-registered two of their aircraft. VP-CJL becomes YR-CJL while P4-JLB is now HR-ATS and more importantly has been given stage three hushkits on its two Spey engines! This is the first series 475 to have been given the kit. I believe that it was carried out at Baneasa. The company appears to have changed its name to JetEx Flight Support / Mia Airlines. http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=354743

6 May 2005

Confirmation has been received that ITAB 1-11 9Q-CDY is back in service.  It is operating a twice weekly service between its base at Lubumbashi DRC and Johannesburg.  It is operating on behalf of Wimbi Dira Airways.  http://www.airliners.net/open.file/834695/L/

28 Apr 2005

Jetline 1-11 P4-CBH has been resprayed into a similar livery as P4-JLB and VP-CJL.  Fingers crossed that we might see it over here in the UK soon, despite it only been a stage two aircraft.

21 Apr 2005

Due to my website "crashing" last week the data on the site needs updating.  In particular the news page is a major issue as I last backed it up on the 2nd October 2004!  All the 1-11 news can be viewed at the BAC 1-11 forum at Yahoo Groups for the time being including news items going back to last October.  Please bear with me while I try and get to grips with everything!  Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible! 

15 Apr 2005

No less than 17 Okada Air 1-11s were photographed at Benin City earlier this month. It's an amazing shot of these once proud aircraft. They haven't flown for many years. To view the images click on this link:- http://www.airliners.net/open.file/815697/L/

9 Apr 2005

The former Ashmawi Aviation 1-11 VP-CMI c/n 183 has now arrived at its new base in Toluca Mexico. It is operated by Grupo Adelac and has been re-registered as XA-ADC. It is the second 1-11 to wear this registration. The other one is c/n 084. It is believed that this one is still in long term storage at San Antonio. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/818680/L/

31 Dec 2004

The year finished off on a high note as Jetline's 1-11 VP-CJL flew into a snowy Innsbruck yesterday.  It looked absolutely fabulous with the Alps in the background. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/746969/L/

17 Nov 2004

The last ever European BAC 1-11 movement took place today as G-AZMF was towed from the former BAC site to its final resting place at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum. http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=360083

10 Nov 2004

European 1-11 G-AVMN (AB Airlines livery) was towed from the Bournemouth Aviation Museum back to the European Ramp today.  It will be replaced next week by G-AZMF. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/747403/L/

3 Nov 2004

The three Omani 1-11s were photographed on the Muscat Seeb ramp today!  Thanks must go to Bruce Marks for the image.  This is a unique shot and probably the last time that three in service 1-11s will be photographed together!

18 Oct 2004

Jetline 1-11 P4-JLB arrived at Southend today for an interior refurbishment.  It looked stunning with its new paint job and Rolls Royce titles on the engines. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/694626/L/

2 Oct 2004

I have just been advised that Aerotax Monse 1-11 XA-CMG is in storage at Orlando Sanford. Its engines have been removed so it looks likely to become a long term resident before another undignified scrapping! This would perhaps explain why another 1-11 VP-CMI has been ferried to San Antonio for a Mexican operator. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/850620/L/

30 Sept 2004

I have received news that G-AZMF has been saved from the scrapman and will be going to the Bournemouth Aviation Museum to replace G-AVMN. Details are sketchy at the moment so I'll update you when I know more. The forward fuselage of G-AWYV was taken away by lorry yesterday morning to the ASI Yard at Alton. The rear fuselage and tail remain on the North side of the European ramp along with the fuselage of G-AVMT. 

24 Sept 2004

The tails were finally removed from G-AVMT and G-AWYV yesterday at Hurn. MT is now ready to be moved to its new location while the forward section of YV still needs to be detached from the rear fuselage. 

21 Sept 2004

VP-CJL departed Biggin Hill at 4.45pm yesterday and flew into Luton. It then departed to Zurich at 8.50pm. This morning it departed Zurich for Geneva at 11.00am.  

I can confirm that the scrapping of European 1-11 G-AVMT  commenced yesterday at Hurn.  MT and YV have both been moved back from the engine test bay onto the European ramp again!  MT was fenced off and the wings removed by ASI.

20 Sept 2004

Jetline 1-11 VP-CJL c/n 086 is currently in the UK.  It arrived at Inverness on the 17th Sept and flew into Biggin Hill last night. It is currently parked on the tower apron as of 8.30am.  This airframe has not been seen in the UK for a number of years to my knowledge, except for a very brief visit to Stansted last December, having spent much of its time over in the US in recent years. It has been seen more frequently in Europe since its sa