The only surviving genuine ex-RAF Bristol Britannia and the sole fully complete Britannia aircraft in the world, has finally touched down on her permanent base at Kemble Airport.

XM496 Regulus has been at Kemble since landing here in October 1997, but until now has led a nomadic existence parked at several locations around the airfield. During this time Regulus has gained her original RAF livery and been internally configured as `she’ was originally with RAF Transport Command. Finally, Regulus has moved to a purpose-built hard standing on Thursday 30th July 2009.

“Now XM496 benefits from an uninterrupted progress on preservation and restoration of her airframe and active systems,” said Derek Smith, CEO of the Bristol Britannia XM496 Preservation Society. “Thanks to the long-standing and extensive support of Kemble Air Services, we can really focus on ensuring the Britannia is an even greater attraction for the public and enthusiasts, and continues to be an asset to Kemble.”

The aircraft is open on the first and third Sundays of each month. There are more details on the Bristol Britannia XM496 Preservation Society website www.xm496.com