BEA's "Elizabethan Class" "Sir Thomas Gresham" undergoing an engine test before operating the scheduled service to London Airport - later Heathrow.

BKS Ambassador taxying past the site of today's Aviation Viewing Park on the way to departure from Runway 06 on an inclusive tour service. Operated by BKS from May 1958 to withdrawal in February 1967.

BEA's "Elizabethan Class" "Sir Robert Cecil" prepares to depart on the first scheduled flight of the type from Ringway - to London Heathrow. G-AMAC served BEA from 11.52 until sale to BKS in 06.60.

To compliment my flying shot of this aircraft - just a pity it wasn't a sunny day. Delivered to BEA 11.52, became '108' with the R Jordanian AF in 5.60 and to Dan-Air 2.63

First flown in 1947, the Ambassador was a large medium-haul airliner with triple fins and two Bristol Centaurus engines. Only 23 were built.

The only survivor of the 23 of this iconic British type built, seen about a year before being withdrawn from service and preserved at Dan-Air's Lasham maintenance base. Moved to Duxford in 1986 after which long-term restoration commenced

Looking good but at the time still awaiting a few finishing touches to the markings on the tails. Some 45 years between my first and last shots of this aircraft on AirHistory.net!

This aircraft has been under restoration for a considerable time, mostly in a hangar so it was lucky to catch it outside and looking superb. On my first visit to Gatwick in 1969 a few of these were still in service and this is now the sole survivor of the 23 built