Bristol Freighter Restoration Reaches Milestone at Aerospace Bristol

The Bristol Type 170 Freighter under restoration at Aerospace Bristol has reached a significant milestone, with the aircraft now back on its own wheels. The museum, located on the former Filton Airport site, says the Freighter is the only surviving example in Europe. The aircraft was delivered from New Zealand in 2018.

The Freighter is intended to take pride of place in Aerospace Bristol's new outdoor exhibit area once restoration is complete. The museum is best known as the home of G-BOAF, the last Concorde built and flown. Aerospace Bristol has expanded its collection to showcase British aviation history.

The Bristol Type 170 was developed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, headquartered at Filton. It was one of the last major projects delivered before the firm became part of the British Aircraft Corporation in 1960. The prototype first flew in December 1945, and the last flight of a Freighter took place in Canada in 2004. With its high cockpit and nose cargo door, the type was well suited to freight and vehicle transport. Over 200 were built, but fewer than ten percent survive. Aerospace Bristol's example became the only one in Europe after arriving from New Zealand.

Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol, said seeing the Freighter standing on its own wheels was a special moment for everyone involved. She said it reflected the skill, dedication and many hours of work put into the restoration. The aircraft had only left its conservation hangar a month prior. Further restoration work remains.