About Us

The Bristol Britannia XM496 Preservation Society is dedicated to the preservation the aircraft in its original Royal Air Force Transport Command livery. It is a C Mk1 type and the only survivor from a fleet of twenty Bristol Britannia C Mk1 and three C Mk2 aircraft. Although it will never fly again it is a complete aircraft.

Preserving 496, as the aircraft was referred to when operated by the RAF, is a labour of love for all the volunteers who give their time and pay their own expenses. They have restored it inside and out so that visiting is to step back in time. Even the smell of the seats and trim is instantly recognised by visitors who served on the Britannia Force or flew as passengers.

All proceeds from the online shop and on-board sales go towards supporting the work of preserving this historic aeroplane.

The Preservation Society is registered with the Inland Revenue as Not for Profit Organisation. Much of it's work is carried out as a labour of love by the many helpers who freely donate their time.