The latest and largest addition to the Classic Air Force fleet flew into its new home at Newquay Cornwall Airport this afternoon.
The Second World War-era Douglas DC-3 Dakota was flown down from Coventry Airport by pilots John Dodd and Ben Cox.
It will now be operated by Classic Air Force and supported by the Classic Aircraft Trust, which was formed in 2012 to keep aircraft such as this flying in the skies over Britain.
The aircraft has a 29m (95ft) wingspan and is the largest aircraft to be operated by the Classic Air Force. It is now safely undercover in Hangar 404, the former Nimrod servicing hangar at RAF St Mawgan that will eventually house upwards of 30 vintage aircraft.
“The Dakota formed the basis of many post war airlines and was a familiar sight in the south west during the 1940s and 50s,” explained Classic Air Force CEO Group Captain Davie Paton OBE RAF (Retd) as he welcomed the crew to Cornwall.
“To have such an iconic and impressive aeroplane as part of our visitor attraction will be a massive draw when we open the doors to the public on Good Friday (March 29).”
The Classic Aircraft Trust became the first investor in the Aerohub Enterprise Zone at Newquay Cornwall Airport, last summer.
