Lancaster Association grant ownership of Avro Shackleton and Avro Vulcan to Newark museum

Representatives of Newark Air Museum and the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association sign paperwork confirming the ownership of the Avro Shackleton, WR977 and the Avro Vulcan, XM594 being immediately transferred to NAM. EMN-211215-153607001

Both aircraft - the Avro Shackleton, WR977 and the Avro Vulcan, XM594 - have been on long-term loan at the NAM site since they were first acquired back in 1977 for the Shackleton and 1983 for the Vulcan respectively.

In recent years, the LLA has been the owner of both aircraft and they have provided financial support for recent restoration and repainting work on both aircraft.

The legal papers were signed today (Wednesday December 15), and an official handover ceremony will be hosted at the museum in early 2022.

Conservation surveys have been carried out on both aircraft and the museum volunteers will be undertaking major restoration work on both of their ‘new exhibits’ in the coming months.

Ray Bainborough, chairman of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, said: “I am delighted that the Newark Air Museum is taking over the ownership of these two historic aircraft.

“It has been a privilege for the LLA to have been their owners over the past years, but the time has come for the museum to be both the location for the Shackleton and the Vulcan, and also the legal owner of the two aircraft.

“This makes sense from a practical point of view and will better ensure the two aircraft continue to be preserved in the years ahead.”

Speaking on behalf of NAM, museum trustee, Howard Heeley said: “Everyone at the museum is extremely grateful to the Chairman and the Committee of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, who have generously agreed to the legal ownership of these aircraft being transferred to us.

“The Shackleton and Vulcan are both special aircraft, which museum members helped to save back in 1977 and 1983 respectively. We are really honoured to now have sole responsibility for their future care.”

“Whilst we have some significant challenges ahead with regards to safeguarding these aircraft, we are sure that both the museum members and the general public will help us look after these aircraft for the benefit of future generations.”

The two associations have confirmed that although there is a change of ownership of the Shackleton and Vulcan, visitors to the museum will not notice any changes as the two aircraft will remain at their current location.