Bournemouth Aviation Museum is the only UK Charitable Museum dedicated to preserving and presenting to the public at large, amongst others, operational examples of historic aircraft appreciated by the many hundreds of thousands attending UK air show’s. Bournemouth Aviation Museum occupies a 30,000 sq ft hanger at Bournemouth International Airport and employs a limited number of staff together with over 70 unpaid volunteers.

The original private collection was formed in 1981 as the Hunter One Collection by Mike Carlton. In 1988, following his tragic death in a flying accident, the Hunter One Collection was sold and renamed Jet Heritage. In 1994 Jet Heritage was granted charity status and a board of trustees commenced preparations to display the aircraft to the public. The leaning at the time was towards the history of the UK’s key role in inventing and developing jet engines and jet aircraft and Jet Heritage was finally ready to officially open to the public in 1998.

Interest in the first year was overwhelming and before long there were demands for even more exhibits of anything aviation related. Jet Heritage therefore broadened its horizons to include aeroplanes with piston engines. It was felt that a change of name to something more descriptive together with an Internet web site to further boost interest will best serve the facility. As a result, in September 1999 Bournemouth Aviation Museum was born and opened its doors to the world.

Bournemouth Aviation Museum`s continuing aims are :-

To actively search for persons with a passion for aviation who can benefit the facility by filling positions on the Board of Trustees or by becoming volunteer helpers.

To further improve the land and buildings for selective public access.

To further increase (either by loan or purchase) the number of exhibits on display.

To obtain funding to build a museum to house a National Collection of operational historic aircraft.

To refurbish historic aircraft within the facility to flying condition and keep them flying.

To buy its own historic aircraft, engines and spares.

To continue to offer the public an opportunity to access the collection of historic aircraft and view them in a working environment.

Enroll as a friend of Bournemouth Aviation Museum for a (minimum) £25 donation and you and your immediate family can enjoy unlimited entry to the museum and all its facilities for 12 months plus periodical newsletters and special concessions.