Tornado jet lands in Lisburn and it’s here to stay

November 9, 2021

Ulster Aviation Society (UAS) has recently welcomed a Tornado jet to its collection, thanks to support from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

After a long, two-year delay in its transportation due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the Tornado ZG771 has been gifted to UAS and will be a permanent asset in its collection.

Tornado jets were considered the backbone of the Royal Air Force for 40 years and were only recently retired from service in 2019.  The Tornado is the most modern and fastest jet in UAS’s collection and is now on display for the public to visit at its hanger in Lisburn, free of charge.

Guided tours can be booked and are led by UAS volunteers who are passionate about the education of historical aviation. As with all their aircraft, visitors are encouraged to 'get up close' and actually get inside some of them!

Chair of the council’s Development Committee, Alderman Amanda Grehan, said: “We are delighted to be involved in bringing this magnificent aircraft to UAS for the public to view. Such a remarkable jet is an incredible tourism asset for Lisburn Castlereagh and I’ve no doubt it’ll draw many visitors to the area.”

UAS Chairman, Ray Burrows MBE, said: "The arrival of the Tornado puts the UAS aviation collection amongst the top in the UK. When one considers this is done on a 100% voluntary basis, it's an incredible achievement. The support and encouragement we receive from LCCC helps us in so many ways and, in return, we're delighted to be providing a top tourism attraction unique to the province but based here in Lisburn.

To arrange a visit, email bookvisit@ulsteraviationsociety.org. For more information about UAS and its collection go to www.ulsteraviationsociety.org