Starting its take-off from runway 24.

G-ASPM did not pick the best place to park but a Qantas worker escorted me on to the international apron to get this.

Delivered new to Cubana in June 1956 as CU-T604, serving until April 1961. Operated by Invicta from November 1967 until merger into British Midland in January 1969. Scrapped in May 1970.

Built for BOAC at Filton in 1957 and originally to have been Srs 300LR G-AOFF. Sold to British Eagle in 3.64 and Monarch in 1.70 but quickly passed to Donaldson then IAS. To Invicta 4.76. Leased as 9Q-CAZ in 1.81 but wfu at Manston 6.81. Ferried to Southend and then to Cosford for preservation in 5.84 as part of the BA Collection. Restored to BOAC colours but later unfortunately painted in fake RAF colours, although at least she survived the cull that cost us the 707-436, Trident and VC-10

Seen here leaving Southend after maintenance, this Vanguard sadly crashed 15 kms S of BSL in bad weather whilst on an attempted approach after a charter flight from BRS on 10.4.73

One interesting Brit. F/F 19.11.58 and ntu by BOAC, Capital, Northeast. Went to Transcontinental in Argentina 12.59 and bought by British Eagle in 3.64, soon converted to 308F. To Monarch 12.68 and leased to IAS, African Safari and then Invicta; bought 1.77. Wfu soon after photo and became derelict but dismantled and to Kemble with Britannia Aircraft Preservation Trust. Now at Speke on loan to Jetstream Club, very slowly being rebuilt and restored to Eagle colours - should look truly magnificent when finished

Seen here under maintenance a couple of months before my departure shot of the same aircraft, this is the ill-fated Vanguard that crashed on approach to Basle on 10.4.73 while operating a charter; less than a third of the 145 occupants survived, mainly in the tail section

Ex USAAF C-54B 42-72438. Served Saudi Arabian as HZ-AAI June 1952 until February 1964. With Invicta as G-ASPM February 1965 until September 1972.

Delivered new to Trans Canada Airlines in December 1960. Sold in April 1969. Operated by Invicta from March 1971 until withdrawn in May 1973.

Invicta operated this ex US Navy Skymaster from April 1966 to May 1968. Passengers board the aircraft in this dusk time exposure. They will travel on an inclusive tour holiday flight to the Spanish sun.