Built in the 1960s, the Skymonster is the only plane of its type in the world
is set to be dismantled following a “sad” end to its 50-year service.
has been stored at for over 20 years but is now set to be dismantled.
Built in the 1960s, the Skymonster is the only plane of its type in the world.
It was designed to carry large cargo, including Rolls-Royce jet engines, with its oversized fuselage.
The plane has been at since 2002 and, at one stage, appeared to be undergoing restoration.
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The plane has been at Bournemouth Airport since 2002.
However, the confirmed it has now taken ownership of the deteriorating and made the decision to break it up.
“Over the years, it has passed through multiple ownerships, but its condition has been deteriorating,” a spokesperson for the airport said.
“We have been in discussions with various groups about finding it a permanent home, but sadly, nothing ever materialised.”
Parts of the Skymonster will be sent to the South Wales Aviation Museum in St Athan for public display.
Other components will be made available to help preserve other historical planes around the world.
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Parts of the Skymonster will be sent to the South Wales Aviation Museum in St Athan.
The Bournemouth Aviation Museum, located next to the airport, , saying: “Skymonster has lost her battle. Very sad news, and she is going to be missed.”
The plane, originally based on a Canadair CL-44 freighter, first flew in 1969.
Over the years, it served multiple airlines, including British Cargo Airlines and Azerbaijan Airlines, before being retired in 1999.
Despite rumors of museum donations and attempts to restore it, the plane remained in storage at Bournemouth.
Many aviation enthusiasts expressed disappointment at the decision, with some calling it a “waste of a plane.”
However, the Bournemouth Aviation Museum said it had tried to save the aircraft but faced legal and financial challenges.